Scanstrut Tapered Radar Mast PTM-R1-1 60-Degree Aft-Leaning
Scanstrut Tapered Radar Mast PTM-R1-1 60-Degree Aft-Leaning — Product description
Scanstrut's PTM-R1-1 Tapered Radar Mast is the combination radar / antenna / light mount for sportfish boats and cruisers. Aft-leaning 60-degree mast positions a radar dome at the right tilt for typical boat-running attitude (the radar's antenna stays level when the boat is on plane), while the integrated wings and hollow stem accept up to 4 GPS / VHF antennas, deck lights, cameras, or search lights all from one mounting base. Powder-coated white aluminum construction. Hollow wings and stem allow hidden cable routing through the mast to the radar / antenna locations. 11.46 x 11.46 inch base footprint. 28.7 inch installed height. Compatible with most current 18-inch and 24-inch radar domes.</p>
The Scanstrut PTM-R1-1 Tapered Radar Mast is the combination radar / antenna / light mount that consolidates multiple marine electronics installations onto one premium mounting base. Aft-leaning 60-degree mast geometry, powder-coated aluminum construction, hollow internal cable routing, and the radar / antenna / light mounting capacity that lets you put all the boat's exterior electronics at the right elevation and angle from a single base footprint. The right radar mast for boats wanting a clean professional installation rather than separate ad-hoc mounts for each electronic device.
Why the aft-leaning 60-degree geometry matters. Most recreational powerboats run at a 5-15 degree bow-up planing attitude. A radar dome mounted on a vertical mast (perpendicular to the boat's deck) ends up tilted forward when the boat is on plane, which means the radar's beam angles down at the water in front of the boat instead of straight out at the horizon. The aft-leaning 60-degree mast geometry compensates for the typical planing attitude: the dome ends up roughly level when the boat is at planing speed, so the radar's beam covers the optimal area at the horizon and the radar's effective range and target-detection capability work as designed. For boats that primarily operate at planing speed, the aft-leaning mast is meaningfully better than a vertical mast for radar performance.
Multi-device combination mounting. The PTM-R1-1 isn't just a radar mount - it's a combination platform that handles radar PLUS multiple additional electronics from one base. The mast top accepts a radar dome (the primary load). The integrated wings (one on each side of the mast) provide mounting locations for GPS / VHF antennas (up to 4 antennas total). The wing surfaces accept deck lights, cameras, and search lights as needed. The undrilled top plate (above the radar mount) accepts a navigation light or other top-mounted accessory. One mast, one base, one set of cable runs - replaces what would otherwise be 4-6 separate mounts scattered around the boat's deck.
Powder-coated aluminum construction. The mast structure is aluminum (lightweight, structurally strong, corrosion-resistant in saltwater service). The exterior finish is white powder coat for the standard marine aesthetic. The combination handles the marine environment - salt spray, UV exposure, decades of typical service - without significant degradation. White matches typical marine boat exterior color schemes. for boats with non-white exterior aesthetics, custom paint over the powder coat is possible (though the powder coat is durable enough that most owners leave it as-is).
Hollow wings and stem for hidden cable routing. The internal hollow cross-section of the mast wings and main stem provides a clean path for radar power / data cable, GPS / VHF antenna cables, light wiring, and camera cables to run from the deck-level base up to the device mounting locations on the mast. Hidden cable routing is meaningfully cleaner than the alternative (cables bundled along the outside of the mast, secured with zip ties), and protects the cables from UV degradation and physical damage from impact, abrasion, or sail handling.
Compatibility with current 18-inch and 24-inch radomes. The mast is engineered to mount most current marine radar domes in the 18-inch and 24-inch diameter classes - the standard recreational marine radar dome sizes. A small number of brands use proprietary mounting interfaces not directly accommodated by this mast - for those, Scanstrut makes other variants engineered for those mounting patterns. For boats running radar from the major recreational marine electronics brands, the PTM-R1-1 typically accepts the dome with the dome's standard mounting hardware.
Up to 4 GPS / VHF antennas. The integrated wings provide up to 4 antenna mounting locations - typically 2 antennas per wing, mounted on the wing's top surface. Run a primary GPS antenna, a backup GPS antenna, the boat's main VHF antenna, and a secondary VHF antenna (or AIS antenna) all from the same mast structure. The mounting locations are spaced for proper antenna separation (the typical 1-2 foot minimum spacing for radio interference reasons) without requiring separate mounts at each antenna location.
Removable wings for shipping. The wings are removable for the shipping journey. The full assembled mast is too tall and wide for cost-effective standard freight shipping. the modular design ships with the wings detached and the customer reassembles at install. Reassembly is straightforward - the wings bolt to the main mast stem with the supplied stainless steel hardware. Total reassembly time is typically 30 minutes.
Small base footprint. The 291mm x 291mm (11.46 x 11.46 inch) base footprint is the same as Scanstrut's smaller Dual PowerTower mount, meaning the PTM-R1-1 fits in the same deck space as the simpler dual-antenna PowerTower while providing the full multi-device capability. For boats with limited deck real estate (smaller cruisers, sport-fish boats with the fishing cockpit needing every available square foot), the small base is meaningful.
Installed height 28.7 inches. The 28.7-inch (729 mm) installed height puts the radar dome at a meaningful elevation above the typical hardtop or deck level - high enough for unobstructed radar beam projection, low enough not to dramatically increase the boat's overall height for trailering or low-clearance docking. For boats that need higher elevation (very large radar domes, longer-range radar requirements), Scanstrut's other taller mast options are the alternative.
Made in the UK. Scanstrut manufactures their marine mounts in the United Kingdom. The UK manufacturing maintains tight dimensional tolerances and consistent quality - meaningful for radar mast installations where the mounted radar dome must seat perfectly to maintain proper beam alignment over years of vibration and deck flexing.
Install. Bolt the base to the boat's hardtop, deck, or radar arch using the supplied stainless steel mounting hardware. The 11.46 x 11.46 inch base pattern requires drilling four mounting bolts through the deck. Use marine-grade backing plates (sold separately, varies by deck construction) for proper load distribution. Mount the radar dome to the mast top with the radar's standard mounting hardware. Mount GPS / VHF antennas to the wing locations using the antennas' standard 1-inch by 14 thread mounts. Run cables through the hollow wings and stem to the deck-level base. Total install time is typically 4-8 hours for someone with reasonable mechanical skill, depending on cable routing complexity.
What's in the box. The Scanstrut Tapered Radar Mast (with wings detached for shipping), stainless steel mounting hardware kit for the base, install instructions. Required separately: marine-grade backing plates for deck mounting, the radar dome and its mounting hardware, the GPS / VHF antennas to be installed, and any optional lights or cameras for the wing mounts.
Scanstrut warranty applies. Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock units. Note: oversize shipping carton may incur freight surcharges from carriers on certain routes.
Key Features
- Combination radar / antenna / light mast for marine electronics installations
- Aft-leaning 60-degree mast geometry (radar dome stays level at planing attitude)
- Powder-coated white aluminum construction (corrosion-resistant marine grade)
- Top plate accepts radar dome (compatible with most 18-inch and 24-inch radomes from major recreational marine brands)
- Integrated wings accept up to 4 GPS / VHF antennas
- Wings also accept deck lights, cameras, and search lights
- Undrilled top plate above radar mount accepts navigation light or other top accessory
- Hollow wings and stem allow hidden cable routing
- Small 11.46 x 11.46 inch base footprint (same as Scanstrut Dual PowerTower)
- 28.7 inch installed height
- Removable wings for cost-effective shipping (reassembled at install)
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Manufacturer Part Number PTM-R1-1
- Scanstrut warranty applies
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Scanstrut reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Technical specifications
| Title | Scanstrut Tapered Radar Mast - Aft-Leaning 60-Degree Combination Mount |
|---|---|
| Brand | Scanstrut |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PTM-R1-1 |
| UPC | 5060114793385 |
| Type | Aft-leaning combination radar / antenna / light mast |
| Mast Angle | 60 degrees aft-leaning |
| Construction | Powder-coated aluminum |
| Color / Finish | White powder coat |
| Base Footprint | 291mm x 291mm (11.46 x 11.46 inches) |
| Installed Height | 729mm (28.7 inches) |
| Compatible Radar Domes | Most current 18-inch and 24-inch domes from major recreational marine brands |
| GPS / VHF Antenna Capacity | Up to 4 antennas |
| Top Plate | Undrilled (accepts navigation light or other top accessory) |
| Cable Routing | Hidden through hollow wings and main stem |
| Wings | Removable for cost-effective shipping (reassembly at install) |
| Mounting Hardware Included | Stainless steel kit (backing plates sold separately, varies by deck) |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Weight (boxed) | 25 lb |
| Warranty | Scanstrut limited warranty |
Frequently asked questions
Why is the mast aft-leaning?
Most recreational powerboats run at a 5-15 degree bow-up planing attitude. A radar dome on a vertical mast ends up tilted forward at planing speed, which angles the radar beam down at the water in front of the boat instead of straight out at the horizon. The aft-leaning 60-degree mast compensates for typical planing attitude: the dome ends up roughly level at planing speed, so the radar covers the optimal area at the horizon. For boats primarily operating at planing speed, the aft-leaning mast meaningfully improves radar performance.
Will my radar dome fit it?
The mast accepts most current marine radar domes in the 18-inch and 24-inch diameter classes - the standard recreational marine radar dome sizes. Notable exception: a small number of brands use proprietary mounting interfaces not directly accommodated by this mast (Scanstrut makes other variants engineered for those patterns). For typical recreational marine radar from the major brands, the PTM-R1-1 accepts the dome with the dome's standard mounting hardware.
How many antennas can it hold?
Up to 4 GPS / VHF antennas via the integrated wings (typically 2 antennas per wing, mounted on each wing's top surface). Run a primary GPS antenna, a backup GPS antenna, the main VHF antenna, and a secondary VHF or AIS antenna all from the same mast structure. The mounting locations are spaced for proper antenna separation without requiring separate mounts at each antenna location.
What size is the base?
291mm x 291mm (11.46 x 11.46 inches). Same footprint as Scanstrut's smaller Dual PowerTower mount. For boats with limited deck real estate, the small base is meaningful - the PTM-R1-1 fits in the same space as a simpler dual-antenna PowerTower while providing the full multi-device combination capability.
What's the installed height?
729mm (28.7 inches). High enough for unobstructed radar beam projection above the typical hardtop or deck level, low enough not to dramatically increase the boat's overall height for trailering or low-clearance docking. For boats needing higher elevation (very large radar domes, longer-range radar requirements), Scanstrut's other taller mast options are the alternative.
How do the cables route?
Through the hollow internal cross-section of the mast wings and main stem. Run radar power / data cable, GPS / VHF antenna cables, light wiring, and camera cables through the mast from the deck-level base up to the device mounting locations. Hidden cable routing is cleaner than running cables along the outside of the mast (which would need zip-tie restraints and would expose the cables to UV / impact damage).
Why are the wings removable?
For cost-effective shipping. The full assembled mast is too tall and wide for standard freight shipping rates. The modular design ships with the wings detached, and the customer reassembles at install. Reassembly is straightforward - the wings bolt to the main mast stem with the supplied stainless steel hardware. Total reassembly time is typically 30 minutes.
How do I install it?
Bolt the base to the boat's hardtop, deck, or radar arch using the supplied stainless steel mounting hardware. The 11.46 x 11.46 inch base pattern requires drilling four mounting bolts through the deck. Use marine-grade backing plates (sold separately, varies by deck construction) for proper load distribution. Mount the radar dome to the mast top with the radar's standard mounting hardware. Mount GPS / VHF antennas to the wing locations using the antennas' standard 1-inch by 14 thread mounts. Run cables through the hollow wings and stem to the deck-level base. Total install time is typically 4-8 hours for someone with reasonable mechanical skill.
What if my radar brand uses a proprietary mount work with it?
No. that proprietary brand radar units use a different mounting interface that the PTM-R1-1 doesn't directly accommodate. For that proprietary brand radar installs, check Scanstrut's other radar mast variants - some Scanstrut models are engineered specifically for that proprietary brand mounting interfaces. For typical recreational marine radar from other major brands, this PTM-R1-1 is the right mast.
What about backing plates?
Backing plates are sold separately because the right backing plate varies by deck construction. Cored fiberglass decks need backing plates to spread the mounting bolt loads (otherwise the bolts crush the core material under load). Solid fiberglass decks can use through-bolts directly. Aluminum or steel decks may need different backing plates depending on the deck thickness and material. Use marine-grade backing plates appropriate to your specific deck construction.
Will it fit my radar arch?
The PTM-R1-1 is designed for mounting on a flat deck or hardtop surface, not for direct mounting on a radar arch. For radar arch installations, the radar typically mounts directly to the arch (the arch itself is the mounting structure) - the PTM-R1-1 isn't needed in that configuration. The PTM-R1-1 is the right choice for boats without a radar arch where you want to add a radar plus multiple other electronics on a single combination mount.
What's the warranty?
Scanstrut warranty applies. Service runs through the Scanstrut authorized service network in the U.S. and U.K.