TACO Grand Slam 860 Electric VHF Antenna Mount - GS-860

TACO Grand Slam 860 Electric VHF Antenna Mount    - GS-860

The Grand Slam 860 Electric VHF Antenna and Navigation Light Mount combines enhanced safety, durability, and style. As the successor to the popular GS-850, the Grand Slam 860 boasts a robust stainless-steel body and a stainless-steel Type-316L breakaway pin for exceptional weather resistance. It features a new stainless-steel anti-backlash linear screw drive, ensuring greater durability. The mount’s oblong shape allows for a longer, more powerful motor – delivering superior performance at sea. Boaters can easily adjust their VHF Antenna from the deck with the push of a button, thanks to the auto-rotating stop feature and manual stop option. This fully electric unit includes a hidden base wire for a sleek installation on the hardtop and uses a water-sealed Deutsch connector for wiring. It retains the same hole pattern as the GS-850, facilitating straightforward upgrades, and is compatible with all top thicknesses. 

Features 

Standard 1”-14 thread (male) shaft accommodates standard VHF antennas up to 8' 
No under-mount clearance needed 
Polished stainless-steel body with a mirrored finish 
Stainless-steel threaded screw drive ensures smooth lift and descent 
High-torque, anti-backlash ball-bearing motor 
Oil-lite bronze bushings for smooth operation 
Integrated nylon knob on the stainless-steel breakaway pin allows for manual operation in case of power failure 
Electronic Control Module (ECM) features an industry-standard On-Off-On control switch 
ECM includes a 5A fuse for device protection 
Comes with a 12” wire lead and water-sealed Deutsch connector, using 18-gauge wire from the base 
Operates on 12-volt DC for lift and descent 
Sold individually 

What our Experts Think

• Effortless Antenna Control: The TACO Grand Slam 860 Electric VHF Antenna Mount - GS-860 lets you raise and lower your VHF antenna from the helm at the push of a button—boosting safety and convenience at sea.
• Built for Harsh Marine Conditions: Polished stainless‑steel body with a Type‑316L breakaway pin offers exceptional corrosion resistance and long‑lasting durability.
• Superior Drive System: The anti‑backlash linear screw and high‑torque motor ensure smooth, reliable lift and descent operations even in rough waters.
• Smart Installation & Compatibility: Hidden wiring and a standard 1″–14 thread accommodate antennas up to 8′, with no under‑mount clearance needed and the same hole pattern as the GS‑850 for easy upgrade installs.
• Manual Backup & Safety: Integrated nylon knob on the breakaway pin allows manual adjustment in power failure scenarios, and the control module includes a fuse for protection.
• Sleek & Functional Design: Water‑sealed Deutsch connector and clean hardtop mounting keep installations tidy and reliable over time

Q&A

Q: What is the TACO Grand Slam 860 Electric VHF Antenna Mount?
A: A premium electric VHF antenna mount that lets boaters raise and lower their VHF antenna at the push of a button from the helm — no climbing or manual cranking required.

Q: What are the key features?
A:
• Powerful 12 V DC electric lift and descent with hidden hardtop wiring.
• Standard 1″‑14 thread to accept VHF antennas up to ~8 ft.
• Polished stainless‑steel body with anti‑backlash linear screw drive for durability.
• High‑torque motor with smooth, reliable performance.
• Breakaway pin with manual override for power failure situations.
• Water‑sealed Deutsch connector and integrated wiring for a clean install.

Q: How easy is installation?
A: Designed for surface mounting on hardtops or T‑tops, with no under‑deck clearance required and a hole pattern that matches previous models for straightforward upgrades.

Q: What antennas is it compatible with?
A: Works with standard marine VHF antennas up to 8 ft using the common 1″‑14 threaded mount.

Q: What materials and durability features does it have?
A: Crafted with marine‑grade stainless steel (Type‑316L breakaway pin) and corrosion‑resistant components for long life in harsh saltwater environments.

Q: Who is this ideal for?
A: Boaters and anglers who want quick, safe, and effortless antenna control without manual lifting — great for center console, offshore, or sportfishing boats.

Maintenance Tips

• Rinse & Wipe Down – After saltwater exposure, rinse stainless housing and shaft with fresh water and dry to prevent corrosion and salt buildup.
• Inspect Electrical Connections – Check the sealed Deutsch connector and 12 V wiring for corrosion or loose contacts; ensure fuses are correct and secure.
• Check Moving Components – Operate the lift mechanism periodically to verify smooth ascent/descent; lubricate the threaded screw and bushings with a light marine grease (anti‑seize on threads recommended during install).
• Examine Breakaway Pin & Knob – Ensure the stainless breakaway pin is clean and free of debris so manual override works reliably when needed.
• Protect Finish – Lightly polish the stainless body with a marine polish to maintain appearance and reduce pitting.
• Secure Mounting Hardware – Check hardtop bolts and backing plate (if used) for tightness and proper sealant to prevent water intrusion.