Shakespeare 396-1AIS Dedicated AIS Receive Antenna
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You have 30 days to request a return. All sale items are final sale.
Shakespeare 396-1AIS — Dedicated AIS Receive Antenna
The Shakespeare 396-1AIS is a purpose-built AIS receive antenna designed to give your AIS receiver or chartplotter the best possible signal for tracking vessel traffic. Built on Shakespeare’s proven VHF antenna platform with brass and copper antenna elements, it delivers clean, reliable AIS reception across both AIS channels (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz) — outperforming a shared VHF antenna in dedicated AIS receive applications.
Key Features
- Dedicated AIS receive antenna — optimized for AIS channel frequencies
- Brass and copper antenna elements for superior signal quality and corrosion resistance
- Built on Shakespeare’s VHF antenna platform — proven marine construction
- Covers both AIS channels (161.975 MHz and 162.025 MHz)
- Standard 1"-14 thread base — compatible with standard ratchet and swivel mounts
- Suitable for deck, rail, or mast mounting with appropriate mount
Parts Desk Insights
Best use case: The 396-1AIS is the right choice when you’re adding a standalone AIS receiver or Class B transponder to your helm and want to give it a dedicated antenna rather than sharing your VHF antenna. A dedicated AIS antenna consistently outperforms a splitter arrangement in receive sensitivity, which matters when you’re trying to pick up targets at range. It’s particularly well suited for vessels with a fixed masthead VHF antenna where running a second cable for AIS is practical. If you’d prefer to share a single antenna between your VHF radio and AIS unit, the Shakespeare 5257-S VHF/AIS Antenna Splitter is the alternative. If you want a combined VHF and AIS antenna in a single unit with a ratchet mount included, consider the Shakespeare Phase III 6396-AIS-R. For sailboats, this antenna pairs well with the Shakespeare 399-1M Mast-Mount VHF Antenna when running separate VHF and AIS antennas at the masthead.
Part Number: 396-1AIS
Shipping information
In-stock and OEM parts: ship same or next business day.
Locally warehoused items: ship within 3–4 business days.
Special-order items: timeline confirmed after order.
Returns & warranty
Returns & Satisfaction Guarantee
We stand firmly behind the quality of every product we sell. Your confidence matters to us — and we back it with a straightforward 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
If you are not fully satisfied, you may request a return within 30 days of delivery. All returns must receive pre-approval prior to being sent back. Unauthorized returns will not be accepted.
To qualify for a return:
Item must be in new, unused condition
Product must be in its original packaging
All parts, components, hardware, manuals, and accessories must be included
Packaging must be undamaged and suitable for resale
Important:
Electronics are strictly inspected. No returns on open-box electronics. Exceptions may apply only with prior written approval. Any electronic unit that has been installed, powered, activated, or altered may not be eligible for return.
We are serious about product integrity — and equally serious about taking care of our customers. If there is ever a product issue, contact us immediately so we can make it right.
For return authorization, please contact our support team before shipping anything back.