Choosing the right GARMIN Transducer
Salt, Fresh, Deep, Shallow, Kayak, Trolling, Thru hull, Transom. With so… many different options, choosing the right transducer can be down right daunting! So… it’s a must to match the transducer to your device’s sonar correctly the first time.


To start, lets make sure we know what unit we are buying a transducer to pair with, and what type of sonar technology we plan to use. Match the unit with the transducer and the technology. Here’s a quick look at some of the different types of current sounder technology and types of transducers available.
CHIRP SONAR TECHNOLOGY – is one of the most sophisticated sonar technologies available for fishing and boating today. It truly provides amazingly clear target separation and definition because it puts even more energy onto a target than traditional sonar.
STANDARD SONAR – sends one single frequency at a time. Since the only feedback is from this one single frequency, there is limited information to work with, restricting the clarity and resolution available with standard sonar.
GARMIN CHIRP SONAR – Instead of sending just one single frequency, Garmin CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies within a range from low to high and then interprets each frequency individulally upon its return.
Since this continuous sweep of frequencies provides a much wider range of information, Garmin CHIRP sonar is able to create a much clearer, higher resolution image with greater target separation and crisper fish arches.
For example, 80-160kHz is sweeping through the range from 80kHz all the way up to 160kHz and hitting every single frequency in between.
CHIRP TRANSDUCER – Picking the right transducer is very important to get the most Garmin CHIRP sonar. These transducers have elements that are tuned to specific frequency ranges and limit interference while transmitting and receiving data.
Choose the right frequency range for the water conditions you boat or fish in. Higher frequencies use a narrow beam widths, and are better for high-speed operation and rough sea conditions. Bottom definition and thermocline definition can be better when using a higher frequency.
Lower frequencies use wider beam widths, which can let the fisherman see more targets, but could also generate more surface noise and reduce bottom signal continuity during rough sea conditions. Wider beam widths generate larger arches for fish target returns, making them ideal for locating fish.
Wider beam widths also perform better in deep water, because the lower frequency has better deep water penetration.
CLEARVÜ / SIDEVÜ SCANNING SONAR – ClearVü scanning sonar gives you an ultra clear sonar picture of objects, structure and fish that pass around your boat while SideVü scanning sonar shows fish and structure that is off to the sides of your boat.
ClearVü/SideVü scanning sonar with CHIRP technology is also available for some compatible chartplotter/sonar combos.
TYPES OF MOUNTS
In Hull – An in-hull transducer is installed inside a boat hull against the bottom and sends its signal through the hull.
PROS
- No need to drill through the vessel, no drag.
- Boat can be trailered without damaging transducer
- No exposure to marine growth
- Can be installed and serviced with vessel in water
- Gives great high-speed performance as long as water flow below the transducer is “clean” (no turbulence)
- Works with any engine type: inboard, outboard, and I/O when installed over solid fiberglass
- Performs well on both power and sailboats
CONS
- Not recommended for metal, wood, and cored fiberglass hulls
- Lose signal by transmitting through hull
- Hulls thicker than 3/4″ & epoxy laminates also cause signal loss
Kayak In-Hull – This mount attaches to the inside of a Kayak, against the bottom and sends its signal though the hull.
PROS
- No need to drill into the vessel
- No drag, protects transducer from rocks when launching
- Will not catch on weeds or marine vegetation
- Easily remove the transducer
CONS
- Not recommended for metal or wooden vessels
- Slight loss of signal by transmitting through hull
- Recommends flat section for best sealing against boat
Trolling Motor – Attaches either to the shaft or below the body of a trolling motor.
PROS
- Provides sonar images from the bow, right below where you are fishing, instead of further astern on the hull or at the transom
- Easy to install and remove, no need to drill into hull
- Stores with trolling motor when lifted out of water
CONS
- Sonar image corresponds to position of trolling motor, may not be optimum direction in currents or windy conditions
- Hangs low in the water, if you don’t pay attention to depth, it’s vulnerable to hitting submerged objects
Thru-Hull : Thru-hull transducers, as their name implies, are installed in a hole drilled thru the hull.
PROS
- Works with any engine type: inboard, outboard, or I/O, twins or single
- Works for power and sailboats alike
- Thru-hull transducers can be found for every hull material
“Flush” – thru-hull transducers sit flush or nearly flush with the hull. Recommended for smaller boats with a minimum deadrise angle. They are often installed on sailing vessels because they produce minimal drag.
“External” – thru-hull transducers extend beyond the hull’s surface and usually require a fairing to aim the sound beam vertically. These are designed
for larger untrailered vessels. Installed with a High-Performance Fairing, the transducer face is flush with the surface of the fairing and parallel to the
waterline, resulting in a truly vertical beam, putting maximum energy on the target.
These are mounted in “clean water” forward of the propellers and running gear and produces the most effective signal return, since nothing on the vessel interferes with the transducer’s active face.
When to Use a Thru-Hull Pair – A Thru-Hull pair is recommended when mounting a SideVu transducer in a location that has a dead-rise greater than 5 degrees.
Garmin Transducer Specs & Compatibility
GARMIN / Chirp Traditional Transducers
Scroll Right - BelowModel # | Picture | Transducer~Description | Garmin~P/N | Freq(kHz) | Power(rms) | Beam~width (º) LF/HF (-3dB) | Max Depth | Depth Speed Temp | # of Pins | Cable Length (ft.) | Deadrise Transom~Angles | >>> | STRIKER CV~SERIES | STRIKER SV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP CV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP SV~SERIES | GPSMAP XSV~SERIES & GSD25 | GPSMAP XS~SERIES | GCV 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT8HW-TM | ![]() | High Wide Beam CHIRP perfect for displaying large, clear, crisp fish arches that the Inland/Nearshore fishermen is looking for. Contains fast response water temperature sensor. | 010-12401-00 | CHIRP/High/Wide (145-230kHz) | 250W | 24-16 | 800 ft. freshwater | D/T | 8- pin | 20 | 0-70° transom | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | R | R | ||
GT8HW-IH | ![]() | Ideal for boats traveling at high speeds that want to install the transducer inside a the hull and not on the transom where cavitation could cause issues. | 010-12401-10 | CHIRP/High/Wide (145-230kHz) | 250W | 24-16 | 800 ft. freshwater | D | 8-pin | 20 | 0- 5° deadrise | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | R | R | ||
GT8HW-IF | ![]() | Multi-beamwidth CHIRP transducer perfect for Ice fisherman. Wide beam angles provide coverages needed under the ice. | 010-12401-20 | CHIRP/High/Wide (145-230kHz) | 250W | 24-16 | 800 ft. freshwater | D | 4- pin | 8 | NA | R | R | C* (010-11948-00) | C* (010-11948-00) & (010-12122-10) | C* (010-11948-00) | NA | ||
GT15M-TM | ![]() | Perfect for fishermen who want clear bottom definition as well as crisp, clear fish arches with excellent target separation. Features mid-band CHIRP and can be mounted on the transom. | 010-12402-10 | CHIRP/Mid/Band (85-165kHz) | 600W | 24-13 | 1900 ft freshwater | D/T | 8-pin | 30 | 0-70° transom | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | R | R | ||
GT15M-TH | ![]() | This Mid-band CHIRP raditional Transducer is ideal for the fisherman who wants an affordable Stainless Steel Thru- Hull transducer. Provides crisp, clear fish arches with excellent target separation. | 010-12402-20 | CHIRP/Mid/Band (85-165 kHz) | 600W | 24-13 | 1900 ft freshwater | D/T | 8-pin | 50 | 0- 25° deadrise | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | R | R | ||
GT15M-IH | ![]() | Mid Band CHIRP, in-hull mounting for high speed boats. Maximum fiberglass thickness should no more than 5/8” thick | 010-12402-00 | CHIRP/Mid/Band (85-165 kHz) | 600W | 24-13 | 1900 ft freshwater | D | 8-pin | 20 | 0- 25° deadrise | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* (010-11947-00) | C* | R | R | ||
C=Compatible | R=Recommended | *=With/Adapter cable |
CHIRP CLEARVÜ / CHIRP SIDEVÜ
Scroll Right - BelowModel # | Picture | Transducer~Description | Garmin~P/N | Freq(kHz) | Power(rms) | Beam~width (º) LF/HF (-3dB) | Max Depth | Depth Speed Temp | # of Pins | Cable Length (ft.) | Deadrise Transom~Angles | >>> | STRIKER CV~SERIES | STRIKER SV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP CV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP SV~SERIES | GPSMAP XSV~SERIES & GSD25 | GPSMAP XS~SERIES | GCV 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GT30-TM | ![]() | SideVü/ClearVü optimized for clearer image at shallow depths. Provides picture-like images of what is below your boat. Has a fast response water temperature sensor. | 010-01961-00 | ClearVü/SideVü/CHIRP 455 khz (425-485) 800 khz (790-850) | ClearVü/SideVü 500W | ClearVü 1.4x53@455 0.8x30@800 SideVü 1.1x53@455 0.7x30@800 | ClearVü~750ft. SideVü~500ft. | D/T | 12 | 20 | 0-70° transom | C | C | C | R | ||||
GT30-TH | ![]() | SideVü/ClearVü optimized for clearer image at shallow depths. Provides picture-like images of what is below your boat. Has a fast response water temperature sensor. | 010-01961-10 | ClearVü/SideVü/CHIRP 455 khz (425-485) 800 khz (790-850) | ClearVü/SideVü 500W | 1.4x53@455 0.8x30@800 SideVü 1.1x53@455 0.7x30@800 | ClearVü~750ft. SideVü~500ft. | D/T | 12 | 5ft.+30ft.ext. | Up to 25° deadrise | C | C | C | R | ||||
GT30-THP | ![]() | SideVü/ClearVü optimized for clearer image at shallow depths. Provides picture-like images of what is below your boat. Has a fast response water temperature sensor. | 010-01961-11 | ClearVü/SideVü/CHIRP 455 khz (425-485) 800 khz (790-850) | ClearVü/SideVü 500W | ClearVü 1.4x53@455 0.8x30@800 SideVü 1.1x53@455 0.7x30@800 | ClearVü~750ft. SideVü~500ft. | D/T | 12 | 5ft.+30ft.ext. | Up to 25° deadrise | C | C | C | R | ||||
C=Compatible | R=Recommended | *=With/Adapter cable |
PANOPTIX
Scroll Right - BelowModel # | Picture | Transducer~Description | Garmin~P/N | Freq(kHz) | Power(rms) | Beam~width (º) LF/HF (-3dB) | Max Depth | Depth Speed Temp | # of Pins | Cable Length (ft.) | Deadrise Transom~Angles | >>> | STRIKER CV~SERIES | STRIKER SV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP CV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP SV~SERIES | GPSMAP XSV~SERIES & GSD25 | GPSMAP XS~SERIES | GCV 10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PS21-TR~Forward/Looking Trolling~Mount | ![]() | Multi-beam forward looking sonar with 2D live to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. Optomized small size and weight make it ideal for mounting on the shaft or barrel of the trolling motor. | 010-01588-00 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 13 | Trolling motor Shaft or Barrel mount | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS21-TM~Forward/Looking Transom~Mount | ![]() | Multi-beam forward looking sonar with FrontVü for collision avoidance and 2D live to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. | 010-01588-01 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 13 | 0-70° transom | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS22-TR~Forward/Looking Trolling~Mount | ![]() | Multi-beam forward and down looking sonar with 2D live to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. Optomized small size and weight make it ideal for mounting on the shaft or barrel of the trolling motor. | 010-01945-00 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 13 | Trolling motor shaft or Barrel mount | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS31-Forward/Looking Transom/Trolling~Mount | ![]() | Multi-beam forward looking sonar with 2D live and 3D scan to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. | 010-01284-01 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 30 | 0-70° transom | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS30-Down/Looking Transom/Trolling~Mount | ![]() | Multi-beam down looking sonar with 2D live and 3D scan to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. | 010-01284-00 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 30 | 0-70° transom | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS51-TH-Forward/Looking ThruHull | ![]() | Thru-hull transducer with premium FrontVü forward-looking sonar helps you avoid running aground by displaying the bottom ahead of your boat in real time. | 010-01753-00 | 417 kHz | 144W | NA | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 6 | Up to 25° deadrise | R~(7cv only) | R | R | R | ||||
PS60-Down/Looking ThruHull | ![]() | Thru-Hull mounting, multi-beam down looking sonar with 2D live and 3D scan to view fish, lures, and structure. Includes pitch and roll compensation for stable images. | 010-01406-00 | 417 kHz | 144W | 120°/ 120° | 300ft. | D/T | Ethernet | 30 | Up to 25° deadrise | C=Compatible | R=Recommended | *=With/Adapter cable |
THRU-HULL TRADITIONAL
Scroll Right - BelowModel # | Picture | Transducer~Description | Garmin~P/N | Freq(kHz) | Power(rms) | Beam~width (º) LF/HF (-3dB) | Max Depth | Depth Speed Temp | # of Pins | Cable Length (ft.) | Deadrise Transom~Angles | >>> | STRIKER CV~SERIES | STRIKER SV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP CV~SERIES | ECHOMAP CHIRP SV~SERIES | GPSMAP XSV~SERIES & GSD25 | GPSMAP XS~SERIES | GCV 10 | GSD 24 | GSD 26 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airmar P19 with 12° tilt | ![]() | Provides excellent performance at high speeds. Excellent on fiberglass and metal hulls. Do not use on wood hulls. | 010-10218-21 | 77/200 | 500W | 45/15 | 900ft | D/T | 8 | 30 | 8-15° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00 | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar P19 with 20° tilt | ![]() | 010-10218-22 | 77/200 | 500W | 45/15 | 900ft | D/T | 8 | 30 | 16-24° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | ||||||
Airmar B619 with 12° tilt | ![]() | Provides excellent performance at high speeds. Excellent on fiberglass and wood hulls. Do not use on metal hulls. | 010-10217-21 | 77/200 | 500W | 45/15 | 900ft | D/T | 8 | 30 | 8-15° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar B619 with 20° tilt | ![]() | 010-10271-22 | 77/200 | 500W | 45/15 | 900ft | D/T | 8 | 30 | 16-24° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | ||||||
Airmar P319 with temp | ![]() | Provides excellent performance at high speeds. Excellent on fiberglass and metal hulls. Do not use on wood hulls. | 010-10194-21 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-7° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar B60 with 20° tilt | ![]() | Entry level, bronze. Excellent for fiberglass and wood hulls. Does not require a fairing. | 010-10982-20 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 16-24° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar B60 with 12° tilt | ![]() | 010-10982-21 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 8-15° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | ||||||
Airmar SS60 with 0° tilt | ![]() | Entry level, stainless steel. Excellent for aluminum boats. Does not require a fairing | 010-11868-20 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-7° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar SS60 with 12° tilt | ![]() | 010-11868-21 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 8-15° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | ||||||
Airmar SS60 with 20° tilt | ![]() | 010-11868-22 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 16-24° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | ||||||
Airmar B164 with 20° tilt | ![]() | Step up to 1kW without a fairing! Flushmounted bronze housing protrudes less than 1/4” outside hull and can sit on trailer rollers/bunks without damage. | 010-11010-20 | 50/200 | 1kW | 22x20/ 6x6 | 1200-1800ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 16-24° deadrise | C | C | C | |||||||
Airmar B164 with 12° tilt | ![]() | 010-11010-01 | 50/200 | 1kW | 22x20/ 6x6 | 1200-1800ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 8-15° deadrise | C | C | C | ||||||||
Airmar B117 with temp | ![]() | Provides excellent performance at high speeds. Excellent on fiberglass and wood hulls. Do not use on metal hulls. | 010-10182-21 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-7° deadrise | C – 7cv C* – 4cv & 5cv (010-11947-00) | C* (010-12122-10) | C | C | C | |||||
Airmar B744V Triducer | ![]() | Only thru-hull transducer that offers depth, speed, and temp in one package. | 010-10183-22 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-24° deadrise | C | C | C | |||||||
Airmar B744VL Long stem | ![]() | Extended stem length version of B744V for steep deadrise vessels or thick, cored hulls. | 010-10193-22 | 50/200 | 600W | 45/12 | 800-1200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-24° deadrise | C | C | C | |||||||
Airmar B258 | ![]() | Mid-range 1kW performance with a narrow beam for good deep water capability and bottom definition. | 010-10703-20 | 50/200 | 1kW | 14x23/ 3x5 | 1500-2200ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-26° deadrise | C | C | C | |||||||
Airmar B260 | ![]() | Popular narrow beam, 1kW thru-hull transducer with great deep water performance. | 010-10640-20 | 50/200 | 1kW | 19/6 | 1800-2500ft | D/T | 8 | 39 | 0-20° deadrise | C | C | C | |||||||
C=Compatible | R=Recommended | *=With/Adapter cable |