Shakespeare Galaxy INFL8-5 1500mm Inflatable Emergency Safety VHF Antenna

This rapid-deployment inflatable VHF antenna transforms emergency communication on the water. Powered by CO2 cartridge or manual inflation, it extends to 1.5 metres, delivering a genuine 3dB gain with signal range triple that of conventional helical emergency antennas. Its compact, deflatable design stows neatly in a high-visibility bag until urgently needed.

Secure mounting via hook-and-loop straps works in any weather on stanchions, outriggers, or vertical structures. Reinforced grommets at top and bottom enable alternative fastening to masts and spreaders, maintaining functionality even if the bladder sustains damage. The package supplies multiple connection solutions: a pre-soldered PL-259 connector for fixed VHF radios, an SMA adaptor for handhelds, and a solder-free female UHF connector for seamless integration with existing onboard coax systems. Dependable backup communication when it matters most.

Note:

Not for use as a personal flotation device.
Not for use as a visual distress signal.
Not suitable for submersible/ man overboard applications.

• Inflatable to Full 1.5m tall:
• Full 3dB performance in an emergency antenna.
• Easily stowable.
• CO2 cartridge inflatable:
• Rapid & rigid inflation.
• Manually inflatable*: Inflate incase CO2 cartridge is not available.
• Straps & Grommets: Versatile mounting options.
• Storage Bag: Conveniently stow away in its highly visible bag until needed again.
• Included SMA Adaptor: Compatible with most fixed mount and handheld VHF Radios.**
• Band:    VHF Marine Band
• Antenna Gain:    3dB
• Max. Input Power:    50 Watts
• SWR:    nominally 1.5:1 at 156.8 MHz
• Bandwidth:    156-162 MHz within 2.0:1 VSWR
• Mounting:    Via 2ea x 2ft (600mm) long built-in hook-and-loop straps.
• Can be hung and tied to structures through its grommet holes.
• Inflation    >24 hrs per  cartridge
• Recommended Cartridge    16g threaded CO2 cartridge
• Coax Supplied:    20 ft (6m) of RG-174 cable
• Connector Supplied:    PL-259 pre-installed.
• Adapter to adapt over to SMA male for use with handhelds.
• Unique solder-less UHF female connector to splice antenna into existing RG-8X or RG-58 coax cabling on boat.
• Polarization (Pattern):    Vertical (Omnidirectional)
• Impedance:    50 Ohms
• DC Ground:    DC Grounded – The antenna will read shorted on continuity test.