I have also used the Shakespeare splitter and it has not performed well. In fact, if you want one, make me an offer. It is one of those products that sounds like a great idea, but doesn't actually work.
Because I could only get a few very strong tv stations using the splitter and my vhf antenna, I instead bought a small, powered tv/radio antenna from Newegg. It is bow-tie-shaped and is small and light enough to be mounted from the bimini frame on the flybridge. It has a wall wart that powers it through the cable, but my tv is ac also so this is not an inconvenience. Those with a dc tv for use away from the dock will need to power the unit from dc.
The marine environment is tough. I replaced all the mounting hardware with stainless, and the wire elements are nonferrous, but it remains to be seen how long it will work. I have one of the round antennas but have not mounted it because I will need a separate post (strong enough for the off-balance grab Norm mentions) to hold it. I suspect that one of the small round ones is the way to go, but a round one is too heavy for the bimini frame.
http://www.newegg.com/Pr...a-_-82-021-107-_-Product
1975 32' Flybridge Sedan, twin Perkins 6-354 diesels, 1:1.53 velvetdrives, 16 X 19 props. Merritt Island, Florida
