Transducer Question

woodster · Dec 16, 2014

Earendil said:
I'm a new sailor who just finished my first season with my first boat -- an O'Day 23 -- sailing in the Buzzards Bay area of MA. I'm thinking about adding a transducer for next year. I have a Garmin 441s chart-plotter. Any recommendations or suggestions regarding what type (make/model) of device to consider?

look up the Garmin recommended ones and go from there ...there is the plastic ones and the ones made of bronze...i have a 541 and got the bronze on with water temp built in.......

shemandr · Dec 16, 2014

I'm a bit confused. Since you are asking only about a transducer I assumed that your Garmin chart plotter can already display depth/temperature. I don't understand why you wouldn't first look at a Garmin transducer. Although, different brands speak the same language, sort of speak, It's probably best to stick with the same brand. Is that what you are asking? Or do you want to know if you should get a transom hung transducer, a shoot through the hull transducer, or a hole in the bottom mounted transducer?
I really like depth information; so, I'd encourage you to work it out.

DougM · Dec 16, 2014

If you are looking for something like a speed and / or depth transducer, it's entirely possible that those for the garmin, like many others are provided by an OEM supplier like Airmar. It's highly unlikely that Garmin would have proprietary transducers.

Maine Sail · Dec 16, 2014

DougM said:
If you are looking for something like a speed and / or depth transducer, it's entirely possible that those for the garmin, like many others are provided by an OEM supplier like Airmar. It's highly unlikely that Garmin would have proprietary transducers.

Some do have proprietary transducers, still made by Airmar or Radarsonics, but most have their own plug standard. Even if you found a transducer with the same frequency it may not have the right plug... Always best to get the transducer that is made for the plotter or black box you have.

The P-79 in-hull style is one I prefer when you don't have hull core. These are Garmin 8 pin and if you have a 6 pin plotter you will also need the 6 pin to 8 pin adapter...

seadaddler · Dec 16, 2014

Airmar

I think if you search Airmar transducers it will recommend what ones work
with Garmin.
I just got new transducers for my raymarine chartplotter in
airmar transducers and they list a whole lot different models that due different combinations like depth and speed and temp or even sonar all in one or not.
As said do you already have holes for a transducer or not.
nick

BarryL · Dec 16, 2014

Hey,

You should be able to use the CHEAP garmin transom mount transducer. But don't mount it outside on the transom, mount it inside, down at the bottom of the hull, forward of the keel. If your boat has a solid hull, it will work just fine inside the hull. You can use a wax ring for a toilet bowl to see if the location is good. Actually, I did that, and then I just left the transducer stuck in the wax for the next 6 years.

Barry