Shakespeare Style 396-1 and 396-1-AIS VHF Marine Antennas.

Shakespeare Style 396-1 and 396-1-AIS VHF Marine Antennas

Models:

• Style 396-1: 5 ft VHF Marine Band Antenna, 3 dB Gain

• Style 396-1-AIS: 4 ft Broadband VHF AIS Antenna, 3 dB Gain

Product Description

The Shakespeare Style 396-1 is a widely used, basic 3 dB gain, center-fed 1/2-wave coaxial sleeve antenna designed to reduce signal fading in rough seas, making it a popular choice on Coast Guard vessels and general marine use. It features brass and copper elements enclosed in a durable, chrome-plated brass ferrule designed for a standard 1-inch 14-thread mount. The antenna includes 15 feet of RG-58 coaxial cable terminated with a PL-259 connector (not installed). It has a nominal SWR of 1.5:1 at 156.8 MHz and a 5 MHz bandwidth within 2.0:1 VSWR. The antenna delivers reliable vertical polarization and 50-ohm impedance, with no DC grounding (reads open on continuity test). Suggested mounts include Style 4187 and 5187 ratchet mounts (sold separately).

The Style 396-1-AIS is a 4-foot variant specifically designed for the broader bandwidth requirements of AIS transceivers. It features the same coaxial sleeve design, sealed tin-plated copper wire coil, stainless steel mast mounting sleeve, and SO-239 connector for easy mast installation with included U-bolts. It offers a slightly wider bandwidth of 6 MHz within 2.0:1 VSWR for optimal AIS communication, maintaining the same 3 dB gain, vertical polarization, 50-ohm impedance, and no DC grounding. It carries the same 2-year warranty.

Key Features

• Marine VHF band antennas with 3 dB gain for reliable communication

• Durable brass and copper element design enclosed in robust ferrules or mast mounting sleeve

• 396-1 includes 15 ft RG-58 coax and PL-259 connector (not installed)

• 396-1-AIS includes SO-239 connector and U-bolts for mast mounting

• Nominal SWR 1.5:1 at 156.8 MHz (396-1) and bandwidth 5 MHz; 396-1-AIS bandwidth 6 MHz

• Vertical polarization, 50-ohm impedance

• No DC grounding (open continuity)

• Resistant to marine environmental conditions, trusted by Coast Guard and commercial users

• 2-year limited Shakespeare warranty

Comparison Table

What’s in the Box

• Shakespeare 396-1: 5 ft antenna, 15 ft coax cable, L-bracket omitted but suggested mount available separately

• Shakespeare 396-1-AIS: 4 ft antenna, SO-239 connector, stainless steel mast mounting bracket with U-bolts