5 Best Boat Marine UHF&VHF Radio Antennas (Aerials)

Posted by Author David Lee


Last Updated June 1, 2023
UHF and VHF marine radio frequencies operate at different wavelengths. A VHF signal sends relatively large radio waves, while UHF signals are sent on smaller waves that arrive closer together. How often do you think about your marine radio antenna? Probably not much. Most folks don't pay mind to their boats' antenna until it's broken or the source of an issue. Boaters are some of the first enthusiasts to replace their factory marine antenna with additional options. Those who like to customize radio channels almost always replace their antennas with something more attractive. Even so, it likely isn't the first upgrade on their list. Of course, there's always the fact that one may desire better reception. So what's the reason you want to make this upgrade? While we can't tell you why you should replace your marine radio antenna, we can tell you what some of the best options on the market are!

TOP Radio Antennas Comparison Table

NameWarranty
❑1. Centennial 8' Boat Radio Marine VHF Antenna [Shakespeare]+
❑2. Waterproof Boat Radio Marine Antenna [Herdio]+
❑3. Stainless Steel 36-Inch Low-Profile Marine VHF Boat Antenna [Shakespeare]+
❑4. Tram VHF Boat Marine Radio Antenna [Tram]+
❑5. 8' Marine Boat VHF Radio Antenna [Tram]+

1. The Best Centennial 8' Boat Radio Marine VHF Antenna [Shakespeare]

Centennial 8' Boat Radio <span>Marine VHF Antenna</span> [Shakespeare] Picture

2. The Best Waterproof Boat Radio Marine Antenna [Herdio]

Waterproof Boat Radio <span>Marine Antenna</span> [Herdio] Picture

3. The Best Stainless Steel 36-Inch Low-Profile Marine VHF Boat Antenna [Shakespeare]

 Stainless Steel 36-Inch Low-Profile Marine VHF <span>Boat Antenna</span> [Shakespeare] Picture

4. The Best Tram VHF Boat Marine Radio Antenna [Tram]

Tram VHF Boat <span>Marine Radio Antenna</span> [Tram] Picture

5. The Best 8' Marine Boat VHF Radio Antenna [Tram]

8' Marine Boat <span>VHF Radio Antenna</span> [Tram] Picture

Marine Radio Antenna (Aerial) Models

There are the most important things to consider when purchasing boat marine uhf&vhf radio antennas (aerials). Pay attention to the following unique features:
  • product's quality;
  • price;
  • etc.

Best branded radio antennas

The market is dominated by some manufacturers such as: Shakespeare, Herdio, Tram.

Boat Radio Marine VHF Antenna by Shakespeare

This boat radio antenna is much smaller than most factory options as it only measures in at 13 inches tall. This makes for a very attractive design. It will also reduce the risk of the antenna getting snagged and breaking. In the case that something similar bends the antenna, its rubber construction allows it to spring right back into place without breaking or deforming. This unit is also designed to provide increased reception of VHF-UHF bands. Despite being small, it may perform better than the factory equipment. The manufacturer offers this marine radio antenna in configurations that will work with many popular applications making it a perfect upgrade for many drivers.

Waterproof Marine Radio Antenna by Herdio

We find that the low price point and high versatility of the Herdio Flexible Rubber Antenna make it the option with the best value. This antenna provides a strong enough signal to pick up AM/FM bands from up to ten miles away, which is higher than factory options on many cars and trucks. It is not the shortest antenna on the market, but it is flexible enough to resist bends and breaks, making it perfect for use on a range of applications. The use of rubber and a swivel base also makes it easy to angle and adjust without the worry of causing damage. A significant benefit of this unit is it's resistance to water and corrosion. This makes it a perfect option for automotive, home, and even marine radios.

Marine Radio Antenna by Shakespeare

Some boat owners want the shortest antenna available that will sacrifice as little signal as possible. This universal AM/FM radio antenna is extremely short and uses a powerful internal coil that provides a high-quality signal that matches or exceeds the signal strength of some factory antennas. This unit is just 3 inches tall, which is much smaller than factory options. The size ensures little risk of the antenna breaking from hard abuse that brush and carwashes will throw at it. The exterior is constructed of carbon fiber, which is extremely strong, furthering its ability to stand up to harsh environments. This also gives the antenna a very stylish look. Four useable screws make this a universal antenna that can be fitted to a wide range of applications.

Marine Bullet-Inspired Antenna by Ronin Factory

Bullet-inspired antennas are very popular, and we find this model to be the best one on the market. The size is proportional to an actual .50 caliber bullet. This makes for an authentic feel but also makes this a very short antenna that will slip right past obstacles. Military-grade aluminum with a mil-spec hard anodized finish resists scratches and abuse along with corrosion. AM and FM reception is excellent for the size, and the antenna is also compatible with XM and Bluetooth signals. This antenna is application-specific, but it is available in versions compatible with popular cars and trucks. All necessary tools for installation are included, and because this type of antenna is desirable, thread locker is also included. This prevents thieves from being able to remove it from an unattended vehicle quickly.

Boat Marine Antenna by Votex

The Votex Short EPDM Rubber Antenna is specifically designed to combat this harsh environment. The small size is the first line of defense, as it will simply slip past moving machinery that tends to bend or break antennas. In the case that it is hit by something in the car wash, its rubber construction will prevent it from taking any damage.

Don’t buy cheap marine radio antenna (aerial)

If you buy cheap products, you will end up buying twice. There are some very cheap radio antennas on the market, but these are the ones made from poor quality material and components, and they can break down after a few months. Buy more quality model as it will be worth price that you pay.

FAQ

Let's go over some frequently asked questions about radio antennas.

What boat marine radio antennas (aerials) are good?

Where to Buy Cheap Boat Marine UHF&VHF Radio Antennas (Aerials)?

Take a look at this TOP radio antennas reviewed of 2023 and then press the «Check Price» button to check their price and availability.

What is the budget marine radio antenna (aerial) for sale?

The Centennial 8' Boat Radio Marine VHF Antenna [Shakespeare] is our Editor's Choice as the best model of radio antennas with its combination of performance, features, quality and price.

Thesandshore.com is a source where the post about radio antennas appeared first and was written by David Lee, an expert on marine eqipment. He has been boating for over 20 years and currently lives in Florida with his wife and children.

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Comments to Review

  1. Alex Kidman says:

    I have Votex Short EPDM Rubber Antenna. Unlike competitive options, this antenna uses a highly-conductive copper coil that promises unmatched reception from other antennas of this size. In many cases, reception is just as good as the factory antenna, but results will vary. The screw-in design makes this antenna application-specific but is offered for many popular applications.

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