Shakespeare 4351 39in AM/FM Marine Antenna - Compact Signal Puller

Our review of the Shakespeare 4351 finds it a concise, purpose-built marine antenna ideal for boaters who want reliable AM/FM reception without a tall mast. The single biggest reason to buy is its sealed distributive load coil housed in white fiberglass, which delivers improved signal pulling power in a compact 39in package. Installation is straightforward thanks to the standard 1in-14 nylon ferrule and the included 10ft RG-62 coax with Motorola plug, so anyone upgrading an existing marine mount will appreciate the minimal fuss and durable construction.

Key Features

• Combination AM/FM: Offers both AM and FM coverage so users can receive local talk and music stations from one compact antenna.
• Distributive load coil: The sealed coil boosts signal pulling power for more consistent reception in variable coastal and inland conditions.
• Sealed fiberglass housing: Permanently sealed white fiberglass protects internal components from moisture and salt air for marine longevity.
• Standard nylon ferrule: The 1in-14 thread ferrule fits common marine mounts, making replacement or upgrade quick and uncomplicated.
• Included cable: Comes with 10ft of RG-62 coax and a Motorola plug so the antenna is ready to hook up on most radio installations.

Who It's For

The Shakespeare 4351 is best for recreational boat owners, small craft operators, and anyone who needs a low-profile, dependable AM/FM antenna for marine use. Its 39in length and vertical omnidirectional pattern suit vessels where a full-height tower is not possible or desired, and the weatherproof construction is useful for seasonal and year-round boating.

Those who need long-range or specialized VHF, UHF, or digital reception should look elsewhere, since this antenna is optimized for AM (550-1600 KHz) and FM (88-108 MHz) broadcast bands and is not intended for marine VHF distress or communications. It also lacks adjustable elements for tuning beyond the factory design.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact 39in overall length provides improved reception without a tall mast.
• Sealed distributive load coil in fiberglass offers solid protection against moisture and corrosion.
• Includes 10ft RG-62 cable with Motorola plug for straightforward installation.
• Standard 1in-14 nylon ferrule fits most marine mounts for fast replacement.

Cons

• Designed only for AM/FM broadcast bands, so it is not suitable for marine VHF or other radio services.
• Single-section design limits field adjustment or telescoping flexibility for specialized setups.

Specifications

Overall length	39in (one section, 3ft)
Frequency	AM 550-1600 KHz, FM 88-108 MHz
Impedance	93 Ohms
Termination	10ft RG-62 cable with Motorola plug
Ferrule	Nylon, 1in-14 thread (standard marine mount)
Polarization	Vertical, omni-directional radiation
Warranty	Shakespeare limited warranty: 2 years

Our Verdict

The Shakespeare 4351 is a sensible choice for boat owners seeking a durable, easy-to-install AM/FM marine antenna that balances compact size with strong signal pulling performance. It represents good value when the goal is reliable broadcast reception on small to medium craft, provided the user does not require VHF marine communications capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this antenna fit my existing marine mount?
The 4351 uses a standard 1in-14 nylon ferrule that fits most common marine mounts and replacements.

Does it include cable and connector?
Yes, it includes 10ft of RG-62 coax with a Motorola plug installed for direct connection to compatible radios.

Is this antenna suitable for VHF marine radio?
No, the antenna is designed for AM (550-1600 KHz) and FM (88-108 MHz) broadcast reception and is not intended for marine VHF communications.