GME ABL012B Black Double Swivel Rectangular Antenna Base

Marine Double Swivel Antenna Base with Fast-Fit FME, Quick-Release Whip, 5m Low-Loss Coax Black

Product Overview

The GME ABL012B is a black double swivel rectangular marine antenna base with 5 metres of black low-loss coaxial cable. It is designed as part of GME's marine antenna system, providing flexible two-axis mounting, tool-free whip removal, and ground-independent performance for use on fibreglass, aluminium, and other non-metallic vessel structures.

The base uses GME's integrated PL259 connection system the coaxial cable connects permanently to the base rather than to the antenna whip. The whip connects to the base via fast-fit FME connectors, allowing the antenna whip to be installed or removed in seconds without soldering or tools. A splash-proof cap is supplied to protect the FME connector when the whip is removed.

Colour-coded inserts help identify matching whip and base pairs. The ABL012B suits all AW36xx series antenna whips and is compatible with VHF, 27 MHz, AIS, and AM/FM antenna systems.

Features & Benefits

• Double swivel design — two-axis pivot allows the base to be adjusted on both horizontal and vertical planes, enabling optimal antenna positioning across a wide range of vessel mounting locations and angles
• Rectangular base plate — compact rectangular footprint suits deck edge, rail, and flush mounting positions on marine vessels
• Ground-independent design — does not rely on a conductive hull for antenna ground plane; suited to fibreglass, aluminium, and GRP vessels
• Fast-fit FME connectors — no soldering — the whip connects to the base via FME connectors; installation and removal of the whip requires no tools and no soldering
• Whip remains on cable, not whip — the coaxial cable is permanently connected to the base; the whip is the removable element, allowing quick security removal or storage when the vessel is not in use
• Splash-proof cap included — protects the FME connector on the base when the whip is removed
• Colour-coded whip/base inserts — colour matching simplifies identification of correct whip-to-base pairings across multiple antenna installations
• Suits all AW36xx series whips — compatible with the full AW36xx GME antenna whip range
• Multi-frequency compatibility — suits VHF marine, 27 MHz CB, AIS, and AM/FM antenna whips
• 5m black low-loss coaxial cable — the 5m black lead matches the vessel aesthetic and provides adequate routing length for most marine installations
• Black finish — the "B" suffix denotes black; a white version may also be available (confirm with your supplier)

Technical Specs

Compatible With / Goes Well With

• GME AW36xx series antenna whips — all models in this range
• VHF marine, 27 MHz CB, AIS, and AM/FM antenna installations
• Fibreglass, aluminium, and GRP vessel hulls and structures
• Other GME marine antenna bases in the ABL012 range (white version may be available)

Weight

Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "double swivel" mean for this antenna base?

A double swivel base has two independent pivot points — one that rotates on the horizontal axis and one on the vertical axis — allowing the antenna mounting angle to be adjusted in two planes. This is particularly valuable on vessels where mounting surfaces are angled, raked, or where the antenna needs to be aimed vertically despite being mounted on a non-horizontal surface. Unlike a single swivel base (which only adjusts in one plane), the double swivel provides full angular flexibility for optimal antenna positioning.

How does the integrated PL259 / quick-release system work?

Unlike traditional antenna setups where the coaxial cable connects to the antenna whip, GME's integrated system keeps the coax permanently terminated at the base via an internal PL259 connection. The whip connects to the base using the external FME connector interface — a compact connector that requires only a hand twist to engage or disengage. This means the whip can be removed for storage, security, or low-clearance situations in seconds without disconnecting the coax or using any tools.

What is the splash-proof cap for?

When the antenna whip is removed from the base, the FME connector on the base is exposed. The supplied splash-proof cap covers this connector to protect it from water, salt spray, and debris entry when operating the vessel without an antenna whip installed.

What frequencies and applications does this base suit?

The ABL012B is confirmed for VHF marine (156–162 MHz), 27 MHz CB, AIS (Automatic Identification System), and AM/FM antenna whips from the AW36xx series. Confirm with GME that your specific AW36xx antenna whip is compatible with this base.

Is there a white version of this base?

The "B" suffix in the ABL012B SKU indicates the black version. A white variant may exist in the ABL012 range for vessels with lighter superstructure colours — confirm availability with GME or your supplier.