Let’s Talk About Scanstrut Central Lightbar
The Scanstrut Central Lightbar is designed to be a simple, effective way to mount accessories to your boat’s Scanstrut PowerTower. This black, powder-coated aluminum bar provides a stable and secure platform for antennas, lights, or other gear without requiring any drilling into your existing structure. It’s a compelling solution for boat owners looking to add functionality without compromising the integrity of their vessel.
As a long-time outdoor and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours customizing my vehicles and equipment for optimal performance. I was particularly interested in this product as I was looking for a clean and robust way to mount additional communication antennas on my boat’s PowerTower.
Upon unboxing the Scanstrut Central Lightbar, I was immediately struck by the simplicity and quality of the design. The powder-coated aluminum felt incredibly sturdy, and the pre-drilled mounting points looked precise. The weight was reassuring, suggesting a durable build, without being overly heavy.
Compared to other options I considered, such as fabricating my own mounting solution or using universal brackets, the Scanstrut Central Lightbar offered a significantly cleaner and more professional aesthetic. Universal brackets often look clunky and require significant modification, while a custom build would be time-consuming and potentially more expensive.
My initial impression was one of quiet confidence. It wasn’t flashy or overly complicated, but the Scanstrut Central Lightbar promised to deliver a straightforward and reliable solution to my antenna mounting needs. It seemed like a well-thought-out product that would make my life on the water a little bit easier.
Real-World Testing: Putting Scanstrut Central Lightbar to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Scanstrut Central Lightbar came during a week-long fishing trip off the coast of Florida. I mounted two VHF antennas and a GPS antenna to the bar, all essential for safe and effective navigation and communication. The installation process, true to Scanstrut’s claims, was incredibly easy, utilizing the pre-drilled and tapped mounting points on my PowerTower.
The bar performed admirably in various conditions, including heavy rain and choppy seas. Even when pounding through swells, the antennas remained securely mounted, without any noticeable flexing or vibration of the lightbar itself. This instilled confidence in the system’s ability to withstand the rigors of offshore boating.
The ease of use was remarkable; the entire installation took less than an hour, and I didn’t need any specialized tools. I had no real issues with the installation. The simplicity of the design made everything intuitive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Scanstrut Central Lightbar has proven to be a reliable and durable addition to my boat. There are no signs of corrosion or fading in the powder coat, even after being exposed to saltwater and harsh UV rays. It continues to provide a stable and secure mounting platform for my antennas.
The durability has been impressive; the powder coat finish still looks new, and there are no rattles or loose connections. Maintenance has been minimal, requiring only a quick rinse with fresh water after each trip to remove any salt buildup. This is a significant improvement over my previous experiences with aftermarket mounting solutions that often required frequent adjustments and repairs.
Compared to my previous attempts at mounting antennas, the Scanstrut Central Lightbar has been a resounding success. It outperforms any other solution I’ve tried in terms of ease of installation, durability, and overall aesthetics. The peace of mind knowing my antennas are securely mounted is invaluable.
Breaking Down the Features of Scanstrut Central Lightbar
Specifications
- The Scanstrut Central Lightbar is manufactured by Scanstrut, a well-known and respected name in the marine industry. Scanstrut is known for quality and innovative design.
- It comes in a sleek black powder-coated finish, designed to match the look of the Scanstrut PowerTower. The black finish offers a stealthy, professional appearance.
- The bar is designed for easy installation, with no drilling required. It utilizes pre-drilled, tapped, internally mounted 316 stainless steel backing plates for secure attachment.
These specifications are crucial because they ensure a strong, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing addition to your boat. The no-drill installation is especially important for preserving the structural integrity and resale value of your boat. The quality of materials ensures that it will withstand years of abuse in the marine environment.
Performance & Functionality
The Scanstrut Central Lightbar excels at providing a secure and stable platform for mounting accessories such as antennas, lights, and radar reflectors. This ensures optimal performance of your equipment, especially important for communication and navigation.
Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation, while a minor weakness might be the limited adjustability once mounted. Overall, it exceeds expectations by providing a hassle-free and reliable solution for mounting accessories.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Scanstrut Central Lightbar is exceptional, using high-grade aluminum and a durable powder-coated finish. This ensures longevity and resistance to corrosion, even in harsh marine environments. The weight is substantial enough to inspire confidence but not so heavy as to add unnecessary strain to the PowerTower.
The design is incredibly user-friendly, requiring no specialized skills or tools for installation. There is virtually no learning curve involved; anyone with basic mechanical aptitude can install it in minutes.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the high-quality materials and construction, the Scanstrut Central Lightbar is expected to last for many years with minimal maintenance. The powder-coated finish provides excellent protection against corrosion and UV damage, and the robust aluminum construction can withstand significant stress.
Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water to remove salt buildup and grime. There are no moving parts or complex mechanisms that require special attention.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Scanstrut Central Lightbar itself doesn’t come with additional accessories, as it’s primarily a mounting platform. However, it is compatible with a wide range of standard marine antennas, lights, and other accessories that utilize standard mounting hardware.
The pre-drilled holes accommodate various mounting patterns, allowing for flexible customization. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with other Scanstrut products, further enhancing its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Scanstrut Central Lightbar
Pros
- Easy Installation: No drilling required, using existing PowerTower mounting points.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality, powder-coated aluminum for corrosion resistance.
- Clean Aesthetics: Integrates seamlessly with the PowerTower for a professional look.
- Versatile Mounting: Compatible with various antennas, lights, and accessories.
- Secure Platform: Provides a stable and vibration-free mounting solution.
Cons
- Limited Adjustability: Once mounted, the position of accessories is somewhat fixed.
- Price: While offering good value, it’s more expensive than DIY solutions.
Who Should Buy Scanstrut Central Lightbar?
The Scanstrut Central Lightbar is perfect for boat owners who value a clean, professional installation and want a reliable way to mount antennas or other accessories to their PowerTower. It is also ideally suited for those who are not comfortable with drilling into their boat’s structure.
If you’re on a very tight budget and willing to fabricate your own mounting solution, or if you require highly adjustable mounting options, then this product might not be the best fit. A must-have accessory would be a good quality marine sealant to prevent water intrusion around the mounting points.
Conclusion on Scanstrut Central Lightbar
In summary, the Scanstrut Central Lightbar is an excellent product that delivers on its promise of providing a simple, secure, and aesthetically pleasing way to mount accessories to your boat’s PowerTower. The quality of construction and ease of installation make it a worthwhile investment for any boat owner.
The price is justified by the durable construction, ease of use, and professional appearance it provides. It offers a superior alternative to DIY solutions or universal brackets, which often lack the same level of integration and reliability.
I would personally highly recommend the Scanstrut Central Lightbar to anyone looking for a hassle-free and durable mounting solution for their boat. Don’t settle for a messy or unreliable setup – upgrade your boat with the Scanstrut Central Lightbar and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your accessories are securely mounted!