Let’s Talk About Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is a straightforward and affordable solution for mounting marine antennas on boats with rails. Manufactured by Shakespeare, a well-known name in marine communication, this mount promises easy installation and durable stainless steel construction, catering to boaters seeking a reliable antenna setup without breaking the bank. It’s designed to fit various rail sizes, offering versatility for different boat configurations.
What brought me to the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount was a recent upgrade to my aging VHF radio on my fishing boat. I needed a sturdy and reliable mount for the new antenna, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune on something overly complex. I needed a simple, robust solution to get me back on the water quickly.
Out of the box, the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount appeared robust. The stainless steel construction felt solid in my hands, and the black finish gave it a clean, functional look. The included nylon adapters for different rail sizes were a welcome sight, promising a hassle-free installation.
Compared to some of the more elaborate, multi-adjustable mounts I’ve seen, the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount seemed refreshingly simple. I considered a more expensive, name-brand mount with integrated cable routing, but the added cost didn’t seem justified for my needs. I opted for the Shakespeare mount because of its reputation for durability and its no-nonsense design.
My first impression of the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t flashy, but it looked like it would get the job done. I was eager to see how it would perform on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount on my 21-foot center console during a weekend fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. Installation was straightforward: the vise section clamped securely onto my boat’s rail, and the antenna threaded easily into the mount’s standard 1″-14 threads. The supplied adapters ensured a snug fit.
The weather was typical for the Bay – a mix of sunshine, occasional light rain, and moderate chop. The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount held the antenna firmly in place, even when we were running at 25 knots through the waves. There was no noticeable flexing or vibration.
The only minor hiccup was adjusting the antenna angle to achieve optimal signal. The mount’s simple design lacks fine-tuning adjustments, requiring a bit of trial and error to find the sweet spot. However, once set, it remained stable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is holding up remarkably well. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to saltwater spray on a regular basis. The stainless steel construction appears to be living up to its promise.
The only maintenance I’ve performed is a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip to remove salt buildup. The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is proving to be a low-maintenance piece of equipment.
Compared to my previous antenna mount, which was prone to loosening and required constant tightening, the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is a significant improvement. Its simple, robust design instills confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion in harsh marine environments. This is essential for longevity in saltwater conditions.
- Thread: Standard 1″-14 thread (male) provides compatibility with most standard marine antennas. This common thread size makes antenna selection easy.
- Rail Compatibility: Fits 7/8″, 1″ and 1-1/4″ rails accommodates a wide range of boat rail sizes. The included nylon adapters make this possible.
- Mounting Options: Compatible with vertical, horizontal, square, and round rails, as well as flat surfaces. This flexibility allows for versatile installation.
- Color: Black finish offers a clean, unobtrusive look. This blends well with most boat aesthetics.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the mount’s performance, durability, and ease of use. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the rail compatibility and mounting options provide flexibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount performs its primary job – holding the antenna securely – admirably. It’s a simple, no-frills mount that gets the job done.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and rugged construction. The lack of fine-tuning adjustments for antenna angle is a minor drawback, but the overall reliability outweighs this.
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount meets my expectations for a basic, durable antenna mount. It’s not fancy, but it’s dependable.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good for the price. The stainless steel feels solid, and the black finish is clean and professional.
The design is simple and user-friendly. There is no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the stainless steel construction, the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount should last for many years with minimal maintenance. A simple rinse with fresh water is usually sufficient.
The mount’s simple design also means there are few parts that can break or require repair. This contributes to its overall longevity.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount comes with nylon adapters to fit different rail sizes.
There are no other significant customization options. It is a basic mount designed for functionality rather than aesthetics or specialized features.
Pros and Cons of Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity in marine environments. It holds up well against saltwater and UV exposure.
- Versatile rail compatibility fits a wide range of boat rail sizes, increasing its applicability. This is achieved with included adapters.
- Simple and easy installation makes it accessible even for novice boaters. No special tools or expertise are required.
- Affordable price offers excellent value for money. It’s a budget-friendly option for reliable antenna mounting.
- Secure and stable antenna hold prevents movement even in rough conditions. This ensures optimal antenna performance.
Cons
- Lack of fine-tuning adjustments for antenna angle limits precise optimization. It requires some trial and error to find the ideal position.
- Basic design may not appeal to boaters seeking a more aesthetically pleasing mount. It’s purely functional rather than decorative.
Who Should Buy Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount?
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is perfect for casual boaters, anglers, and sailors who need a reliable and affordable antenna mounting solution. It’s also ideal for those who prioritize functionality and durability over aesthetics.
Those who should skip this product include boaters who require fine-tuning adjustments for antenna angle or those who prefer a more stylish or feature-rich mount. If aesthetics are a primary concern, consider more elaborate models.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality marine antenna cable to connect the antenna to the radio. Ensure the cable is properly shielded and weather-resistant.
Conclusion on Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount
The Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount is a solid, no-frills antenna mount that delivers on its promise of durability and ease of installation. It’s not the flashiest option on the market, but it gets the job done reliably.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the stainless steel construction and versatile rail compatibility. It offers excellent value for boaters on a budget.
I would personally recommend the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount to anyone looking for a simple, dependable antenna mounting solution. It’s a workhorse that won’t let you down.
So, if you need a reliable antenna mount without breaking the bank, grab the Shakespeare 4720 Economy Rail Antenna Mount and get back on the water!