TACO Grand Slam 960 Electric Masthead Anchor Light - GS-960
The Grand Slam 960 Electric Masthead Anchor Light offers enhanced safety, durability, and style. Building on the success of the GS-950, the Grand Slam-960 features a durable stainless-steel body and Type-316L stainless-steel breakaway pin for superior weather resistance. It incorporates a new stainless-steel anti-backlash linear screw drive for added durability. The oblong design accommodates a longer, more powerful motor for excellent performance at sea. Suitable for powered vessels up to 39’ (12 meters), the GS-960 meets the USCG's 3 nautical mile visibility requirement. Boaters can easily adjust their Masthead Anchor Light from the deck with a push-button operation, thanks to the auto-rotating stop feature and manual stop option. This is a fully electric unit with a hidden base wire inside the hardtop, which easily installs to the top’s surface. It has the same hole pattern as the GS-950, making upgrades possible, and fits all top thicknesses. The GS-960 lights run on 12 volts and consists of four 3-watt LED Cree chips driven by two Mean Well drivers.
Features
Meets NMMA/ABYC C-5 5.8 Standards requirements
NMMA Type Accepted Approved Product
Includes heavy-duty anodized aluminum tube, light and 6” lead of 20-gauge wire from the base
Reliable long-life LED’s
5-Watt Stern Light and 10-watt Anchor
Low-draw, 0.6 amps per light
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
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
What our Experts Think
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Effortless Electric Operation: The TACO Grand Slam 960 Electric Masthead Anchor Light lets you raise or lower your masthead anchor light from the helm at the touch of a button—boosting safety and convenience by eliminating unsafe climbs on the gunnel.
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Certified Navigation Safety: Designed for powered vessels up to ~39′ (12 m), it meets USCG’s 3‑nautical‑mile visibility requirement and relevant industry standards for reliable night and offshore navigation.
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Durable Marine Construction: Polished stainless‑steel body with a Type‑316L breakaway pin and anti‑backlash linear screw drive ensure corrosion resistance and long service life in harsh marine conditions.
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High‑Performance LEDs: Four efficient 3 W LED Cree chips (powered by dual Mean Well drivers) deliver bright, dependable anchor and navigation lighting while keeping power draw low.
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Smooth, Reliable Mechanics: High‑torque motor, threaded screw lift, and oil‑lite bronze bushings provide smooth, dependable extension/retraction with manual override if needed.
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Clean, Easy Install: Hidden base wiring and a standard hole pattern make installation neat and compatible with most hardtops—including upgrades from earlier models
Q&A
Q: What is the TACO Marine Grand Slam 960 Electric Masthead Anchor Light (GS‑960)?
A: A premium electric masthead anchor light that lets you raise and lower your navigation light from the helm with push‑button control — no climbing required. Certified for marine navigation safety.
Q: What vessels is it suited for?
A: Designed for powered boats up to ~39′ (12 m) and meets the USCG 3‑nautical‑mile visibility requirement for anchor lights.
Q: What are the key performance features?
A:
• 12 V electric lift & descent with auto‑rotating stop and manual override.
• LED illumination using four 3 W Cree chips driven by dual Mean Well drivers for reliable light output.
• Built‑in ECM with On‑Off‑On control and protective fuse.
• Low power draw (~0.6 A each) for efficient operation.
Q: What materials and durability does it offer?
A: Polished stainless‑steel body with a Type‑316L breakaway pin and anti‑backlash linear screw drive for smooth, corrosion‑resistant performance at sea.
Q: How easy is installation?
A: Mounts to your hardtop surface with hidden base wiring, no under‑deck clearance needed, and shares the same hole pattern as TACO’s GS‑950 for simple upgrades.
Q: What standards and certifications does it meet?
A: USCG 3‑nm certified, NMMA/ABYC C‑5 5.8 compliant, and NMMA Type Accepted for safety and navigation light standards.
Q: What’s included and supported?
A: Includes heavy‑duty aluminum tube, light assembly, wiring lead, and sealed connector; backed by a 1‑year limited warranty.
Q: Why choose this masthead light?
A: Combines effortless electric control, marine‑grade durability, and certified navigation performance to improve safety and convenience on your boat.
Maintenance Tips
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Rinse & Dry Stainless Surfaces – After saltwater exposure, rinse body and hardware with fresh water and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion and salt buildup. ([turn0search0])
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Check Electrical Connections – Inspect sealed Deutsch connectors, wiring, and fuses (use recommended fuse sizes) for corrosion or loose contacts to ensure reliable operation. ([turn0search0])
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Operate Mechanism Regularly – Cycle the electric lift up/down occasionally to keep the anti‑backlash screw drive and oil‑lite bronze bushings moving smoothly. ([turn0search0])
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Inspect Breakaway Pin & Hardware – Ensure the Type‑316L stainless breakaway pin and mounting bolts remain tight and free of debris for dependable manual override. ([turn0search0])
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Protect Finish – Lightly polish the polished stainless body with a marine stainless polish to help resist pitting and maintain appearance.
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Fuse & Switch Checks – Periodically verify the anchor light fuse and control switch operation for consistent lighting and safe navigation.