Top 5 Editorial Picks

Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.

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  1. 1
    Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer - 4-inch LCD Display - Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar - Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00) | Transducer, 4-inch LCD Display, Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar, Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces 4 Inch STRIKER Vivid 4cv Transducer

    Best Compact Value

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv

    A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.

    • CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar in a compact package
    • A sensible pick when you do not need a chartplotter or SideVü
    • Best fit for budget-conscious small-boat anglers
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  2. 2
    Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00) | Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder, Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes 010-02553-00 7 Inch STRIKER Vivid 7sv Transducer

    Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv

    A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.

    • CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar for fish and structure
    • Simple setup with a practical 7-inch screen
    • Strong value for most general boat anglers
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  3. 3
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer, 7” Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland 7' Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland with GT54 Transducer

    Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade

    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv

    The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.

    • Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland mapping and touchscreen control
    • Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar
    • A better fit than STRIKER when charts matter
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  4. 4
    Humminbird XPLORE Series GPS Fish Finder MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display Transducer Included) 9-Inch Display

    Best Side-Imaging Upgrade

    Humminbird XPLORE 9

    A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.

    • MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+
    • 9-inch display with touchscreen and keypad control
    • Recommended configuration: 9-inch, transducer included
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  5. 5
    Lowrance HDS PRO Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Smartphone Integration and Preloaded C-MAP U.S. & Canada Charts 10 Inch ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1

    Best Premium Expandable System

    Lowrance HDS PRO 10

    A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.

    • Active Imaging HD and C-MAP charting
    • Wide networking support for integrated electronics
    • Ready to expand with ActiveTarget 2 and the Lowrance ecosystem
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Shakespeare 5225-XP Review

Marine VHF Antenna Review

The Shakespeare 5225-XP marine VHF antenna is part of the superior Galaxy line. This line features highly polished stainless steel ferrules and a bright white well-built outer housing finished with high-gloss polyurethane.

This particular antenna is 8-feet tall and has 6dB of gain. It is rated for a maximum of 150 watts of power input and is tuned for maximum performance at 156.8 MHz, which is the frequency of marine VHF channel 16.

shakespeare 5225-xp marine vhf antenna

Shakespeare 5225-XP

The 5225-XP ships with 20 feet of RG8X low-loss cable and a PL-259 connector which will screw right into the antenna output jack on the back of your VHF radio.

The antenna’s hollow fiberglass housing, also known as the radome, is fitted securely into a stainless steel ferrule with 1-14 threads designed to screw onto a stainless steel ratchet base like the Shakespeare 4187, Shakespeare 4187HD, Shakespeare 5187, or other brand of base similarly constructed with a matching thread.

Like all antennas in the Galaxy line, this one is fitted with silver plated brass elements, a tinned copper inner conductor, and foam spacers to hold the radiating elements securely centered.

The radome is well constructed and finished with a high-gloss with ultraviolet protection to prevent yellowing over time.

Our Marine VHF Antenna Review

I have had the the Shakespeare 5225-XP installed on my 25-foot Contender for several years and will attest to the antennas durability and performance.

The antenna is mounted on the T-Top using a stainless steel ratchet mount to make lowering it easy. Unfortunately the operator still needs to remember to lower the antenna when needed.

I have accidentally smacked the tip top of the antenna on low overhead bridge rigging on a couple of occasions and it has survived without any noticeable damage.

When this antenna was first installed on my boat I immediately noted far better reception and range on all my VHF communications. On occasion I have been able to receive broadcasts from Coast Guard Stations at ranges of up to 60 miles.

Final Thoughts

Overall this antenna has proven to be a top performer for me and I would recommend it for similar applications. It carries a 5-year warranty.

Buy this Shakespeare marine VHF antenna here.

Marine VHF Antenna