RG-58 Marine Antenna Cable – 100 m

This RG-58 marine antenna cable is a top-quality coaxial cable intended for use in marine communications and antenna installations on boats and yachts. Labeled as RG-58 CU MIL, it meets military specifications for RG-58, indicating robust construction – typically a tinned copper conductor and braid, built to stricter tolerances. In a marine context, that translates to a cable that is specially designed for the harsh marine environment, ensuring the best possible signal transmission even when exposed to salt air, moisture, and constant motion.

RG-58 coaxial cable is the standard 50-ohm cable widely used for VHF communications and other RF applications. In the marine band, it’s the go-to cable for VHF radio antennas, which operate around 156–162 MHz, as well as for AIS transceiver antennas (162 MHz) and even for some AM/FM or CB radio installations if needed (though CB often uses RG-58 too, being ~27 MHz). The cable’s performance is characterized by relatively low loss at HF/VHF frequencies and decent flexibility, making it suitable for runs on boats that often require snaking through bulkheads and around tight corners. Over 100 meters, RG-58 would exhibit significant attenuation at high frequencies, but marine runs are generally short (usually under 20-25 meters). For example, at roughly 150 MHz, RG-58 has a loss on the order of 0.2 dB per meter; so a 15 m run would incur around 3 dB of loss (meaning half the power is lost), which is acceptable in many installations. If you require longer runs or lower loss, thicker cables like RG-8X or LMR-400 might be considered, but RG-58 hits a sweet spot for typical boat sizes and is much easier to route due to its smaller diameter (~5 mm).

Construction-wise, this RG-58 CU/MIL cable features a stranded copper core (for flexibility) and a high-density braided shield. The shield in MIL-spec RG-58 usually consists of tinned copper braid with an 95% coverage or similar, providing excellent shielding effectiveness – crucial for preventing interference in the dense wiring environment of a boat, where GPS, radar, and other electronics coexist. The dielectric is solid polyethylene, maintaining the cable’s characteristic impedance and low attenuation. The outer jacket is what sets marine cables apart: it’s typically a white or UV-resistant PVC jacket formulated to resist UV radiation, saltwater, oil, and abrasion. This jacket won’t degrade quickly in sunlight or stiffen in cold weather, meaning the cable remains pliable and the insulation remains intact for many years. It’s common for marine cables to be white (to match the boat’s aesthetics and reflect sunlight), but some RG-58 MIL cables come in black as well – the color doesn’t affect performance but black jackets often have better UV inhibitors. Regardless, the marine-grade jacket ensures long-term durability.

With 100 meters (328 feet) of cable, this pack is ideal for marine contractors or boat owners who have multiple projects. You can cut custom lengths for each antenna – for instance, a sailboat’s masthead VHF might need 20-25 m, an AIS antenna on the stern rail maybe 10 m, and perhaps some spare for a future installation. Having a continuous spool means no unnecessary joints or connectors in the middle of a run, which is beneficial because every connection can introduce signal loss and a potential point of water ingress. Installers will appreciate the convenience of pulling off exactly what’s needed.

This cable is ready to be terminated with the connectors of your choice. RG-58 is compatible with a range of RF connectors commonly used in marine gear. For VHF radios, the standard is often a PL-259 plug, which screws into the SO-239 jack on the radio – RG-58 PL-259 connectors (solder or crimp types) are readily available. For AIS and some splitter setups, BNC connectors might be used; RG-58 can be fitted with BNCs as well. The same goes for TNC or N-type connectors (some long-range Wi-Fi or cellular systems on boats might use those). The key is to properly install the connector with good solder joints or proper crimp tension and to weather-seal any external connector with self-amalgamating tape or heatshrink, since even the best cable can suffer performance loss if water gets into the connector or cable end.

Once installed, this high-performance RG-58 coax will provide a solid link from your radio or transceiver to its antenna. A fresh, quality cable often dramatically improves transmission and reception compared to old, corroded coax – users might notice clearer voice transmissions and the ability to reach farther distances with their VHF, thanks to reduced signal loss. Similarly, AIS receivers will pick up targets more reliably when fed by a good cable. Since communication is safety-critical at sea, investing in a proper marine-grade cable like this one is wise. It ensures that when you press the mic to make a mayday call, or when you rely on AIS to show you nearby ships in a fog, the signal path from your device to the antenna is as efficient and trouble-free as possible.

In summary, the 100m RG-58 CU/MIL marine antenna cable is an essential supply for marine electronics installs. It delivers top-notch signal quality and durability, tailored for the unique demands of the boating environment. Whether outfitting a new vessel or refitting an older one, using this cable for your VHF/AIS or other RF needs will provide peace of mind that your communications and signals are being carried with minimal loss and maximum reliability from the helm to the antenna mast.