IN Hull Garmin Transducers

[Capt Duck]

I am considering going with a Garmin P79 in-hull transducer on a SR 34 Sundancer.
Has anyone done this ? If so does it ?:huh:

 

[tbirdvet]

Does it what?

 

[copb8tx]

I used the in-hull P79 with a DSM30 depth finder controller plugged into my existing C120. I didn't care for the SmartCraft depth gauge readings and wanted something a bit more dynamic and legible. I went with the in-hull because I'd just splashed the boat and didn't want to pull it out again. I figured if I didn't like it I'd replace it during the next haul. I'm very happy with the results but I don't use it for fishing so I can't say how it performs in that arena.

Installation was easy but the key is to prep the area very well. Make sure the surface is sanded smooth and hospital clean. This will help your chances that the anti-freeze won't leak out of the reservoir.

 

[Theresamarie11]

Captain Duck, we have a P79 along with a furuno bbff1 (it's an airmar transducer). Assume you're asking if it works well? In my prior boats I've always had transom transducers which I thought worked much better, but I'm not sure the one in my boat is in the best location. I have 5 through hulls that I need to work around (air cond, generator, macerator, and 2 transducers for a raymarine st-60). The prior owner put it behind, but off to the side of one of the water pickups and I think it's getting turbulence. Because I can get a good signal sitting still but when i start moving it goes bad. I contacted Airmar and they said if I really wanted a good signal I should install a 1KW M260 transducer because there is a lot of loss in signal going through the hull. The BBFF1 can put out either 600W or 1KW pulses. The M260 is pricey though, and I've purchased a second base for the P79 and am working on checking other locations before spending $800 more dollars.
Also be aware, that even though you have a solid hull, there may be glassed in areas of wood in some places. I found this out when I called Sea Ray. You want only solid fiberglass between the transducer and the water.

 

[MaddyDean]

I have the P79 in my 280-DA, the the same reason Copb8tx did--boat was already in the water. I have it connected to a Garmin 541s and it works perfectly but no water temp.

The only problem I did have is when I connected the 541s to a GPS ball on the radar arch. The ball came with the boat so I wanted to see if i could get a better GPS reading. Once that was connected the p79 cutout. It is probably my fault--I may have to make configuration changes on the 541s but never bothered trying since the P79 and 541s worked fine together.

 

[MLauman]

I use one with my Garmin 178C - works great. In fact, it holds bottom better than the original Lowrance thru-hull. As stated above, be sure you have a very clean (acetone and lightly sanded) surface to mount it. Follow Airmar's instructions for testing the location and you should have no problems. Airmar has changed the recommended adhesive several times over the years (not sure what they recommend today) but I used silicone and mine is still doing great after 7-8 years.

 

[Theresamarie11]

Vince, can you say where your P79 is in your hull? How far from center line, how far in front of your engine? I am trying to find a better location in my hull. Right now as soon as we start to move the signal is terrible (we still get it up past 30 mph) but it's not giving any definition whatsoever.

 

[JimFromMD]

Mine is in front of the starboard engine beside the stringer in my 300da. You can see it here where it was mounted by the installers. There was a flat spot in the bilge that looks like it was an intended spot for mounting. Mine (knock on wood) so far works great, both at high and slow speeds. I dont fish so I cant attest to how well it finds them, but I have seen them show up in the various sonar screen modes. It's attached to my 720s and RADAR.


James

 

[Theresamarie11]

Jim, thanks for the picture, it's worth a 1000 words (i've heard that somewhere...smile). That area is open for me and both of my seacocks on that side are more starboard. and P79 is just below and a little left of your top seacock (problematic I think).

 

[Capt Duck]

Thanks Capts.

I now have a great feeling that it will work. I have a local electronic installer advising me to use a two part epoxy and just
expoxy it to the inner hull after was sanded and cleaned with Acetone. Thus implying not to use the anti-freeze reservoir.

Anyone installed it in that fashion ?

 

[JimFromMD]

Mine was epoxied in on a mount that allows you to adjust the angle so that the ducer is aimed directly down. This one did need to be filled with antifreeze though.

 

[clint brady]

Greetings all!
I know this is a decade old, but I am in a situation to add a shoot through the hull Garmin Airmar P79. In reading the thread, the P79 was referenced as in-hull and not a shoot through (no hole required). I just want to check in to make sure you were referencing the P79 shoot through unit that gets glued on top of the hull and ask if these are still working for you all.

Many thanks, cheers!
C

 

[hottoddie]

Shoot thru and in hull are 2 ways of describing the type of transducer. Think about it, if the transducer is mounted "in hull" then it has to "shoot thru" the hull the function. If you have to drill a hole in the hull then it becomes a "thru hull" transducer.