Overview

The TACO Marine GS-860 is an electric VHF antenna and navigation light mount made for boat hardtops, giving the helm control over raising and lowering the antenna without climbing onto the deck or hardtop. It uses a standard 1"-14 male threaded shaft for standard VHF antennas up to 8' and runs on 12V DC for lift and descent.

This Grand Slam 860 mount suits center consoles, pilothouse boats, sportfishing boats, and cruising boats where antenna height needs to change for bridges, storage, trailering, or rough weather. The polished stainless-steel body, Type-316L stainless-steel breakaway pin, stainless-steel screw drive, and water-sealed Deutsch connector all make it a practical fit for exposed marine installations.

The unit mounts on the surface of the hardtop with no under-mount clearance needed, and it keeps the same hole pattern as the GS-850 for easier upgrades on boats already using that mount.

Key features

• Electric lift and descent lets the VHF antenna be adjusted from the helm or deck area with a control switch.
• Standard 1"-14 male threaded shaft accepts standard VHF antennas up to 8'.
• 12V DC operation matches common small-boat and sportfishing electrical systems.
• No under-mount clearance is required, which helps when space below the hardtop is limited.
• Polished stainless-steel body with a mirrored finish suits exposed tops and visible electronics layouts.
• Stainless-steel anti-backlash linear screw drive and high-torque ball-bearing motor support controlled lift and descent.
• Oil-lite bronze bushings help the mount move smoothly during regular use.
• Integrated nylon knob on the stainless-steel breakaway pin allows manual operation if power is lost.
• Electronic Control Module uses an industry-standard On-Off-On control switch and includes a 5A fuse for device protection.
• 12" wire lead with 18-gauge wire from the base and a water-sealed Deutsch connector support clean hardtop wiring.
• Compatible with all top thicknesses and keeps the GS-850 hole pattern for straightforward replacement projects.
• Sold individually and made in the USA.

Installation and setup

The GS-860 is intended for hardtop mounting where the antenna needs a clear working angle and a clean wiring path. Its hidden base wire helps keep the top side tidy, while the Deutsch connector supports a protected electrical connection in a location that may see spray, washdowns, and weather exposure.

Because the mount uses 12V DC and an ECM with a 5A fuse, the installation should be planned as part of the boat's protected DC circuit. The main feed, switch location, and cable route should be checked before drilling, especially on hardtops with finished liners, lights, radar wiring, or other electronics already installed.

Compatibility and fit

This mount is for standard VHF antennas that use a 1"-14 thread and are no longer than 8'. It is a strong match for boats that need the antenna upright during operation but lower for clearance at bridges, lift storage, covered slips, or transport.

For a GS-850 replacement, the matching hole pattern helps reduce retrofit work. For a new installation, the no-under-mount-clearance layout is useful on hardtops where access underneath is limited or where the underside finish should stay clean.

Use on board

The GS-860 is well suited to boats where the VHF antenna is mounted high and out of easy reach. From a practical standpoint, it reduces deck climbing and makes antenna positioning part of the normal helm routine before leaving the dock, approaching low clearance, or preparing the boat for storage.

It is a good fit for owners who want an electric antenna mount with stainless-steel construction, manual backup operation, and a hardtop-friendly installation rather than a basic hand-operated ratchet mount.