TACO Marine Grand Slam 850 Electric VHF Antenna Mount, 12V, 1-14 Thread

Overview

The TACO Marine GS-850 is an electric VHF antenna mount for hardtop installations where the antenna needs to raise and lower from the helm instead of being handled by hand on deck. It accepts standard 1 in.-14 male-thread VHF antenna shafts up to 8 ft and runs on a 12V DC power supply for lift and descent.

This mount is useful on center consoles, pilothouse boats, and other hardtop-equipped vessels where bridge clearance, trailering, storage, or low overhead structures make antenna positioning part of normal operation. The fully electric layout keeps wiring hidden inside the hardtop, and the surface-mount design does not require under-mount clearance.

The body is machined and anodized aluminum with a light brushed finish, with a threaded shaft for controlled lift and descent. It weighs 2.1 lb, includes a 6 in. lead of 20-gauge wire from the base, and accepts a 3A fuse in the main positive 12V DC power feed.

Key features

• Electric raise and lower operation lets the VHF antenna be adjusted from the helm.
• Fits standard 1 in.-14 male-thread VHF antenna shafts up to 8 ft.
• Surface-mount installation works without under-mount clearance, which helps on hardtops with limited access below.
• Machined and anodized aluminum body with a light brushed finish for exposed marine installations.
• Threaded shaft supports steady lift and descent rather than a loose manual swing.
• Breakaway pin allows manual operation when electric operation is not available.
• Includes a 6 in. lead of 20-gauge wire from the base for the 12V DC connection.
• Accepts a 3A fuse in the main positive 12V DC power feed, with the fuse supplied separately.
• Made in the USA and backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

Installation and setup

The GS-850 mounts on the surface of the hardtop, so it is well suited to installations where there is little or no room below the mounting surface. Routing the wiring inside the hardtop keeps the deck area cleaner and helps reduce exposed wire runs around electronics boxes and helm stations.

The mount requires 12V DC power and a DPDT on-off-on switch for control. The main positive feed should be protected with a 3A fuse, supplied separately. For best results, the antenna location should allow full antenna movement without interference from outriggers, radar arrays, anchor lights, canvas, or rocket launchers.

Compatibility and fit

This mount is intended for VHF antennas with a standard 1 in.-14 threaded base and a maximum antenna length of 8 ft. It pairs naturally with hardtop and T-top installations where lowering the antenna helps with bridge clearance, dry-stack storage, trailering, or maintenance access.

A matching backing plate and 6 degree wedge plate are available separately for installations that need extra support or angle correction on a curved or sloped top. Mounting hardware, backing support, and sealant should be selected to suit the hardtop construction and the load created by the antenna in rough water and wind.

What’s included

• Grand Slam 850 electric VHF antenna mount
• 6 in. lead of 20-gauge wire from the base
• Drill template
• Installation instructions