In hull Airmar P79 Question ?

[bigblue]

Has anyone installed and used a in hull transducer and how did it work out compared to a transom mount unit. Drilling a hole for a through hull is not a option for me . Looking at a Airmar P79 50-200 degree for my Garmine 4212 and Gms 24 sounder . Thanks for any input.

[jigstick]

Why cant you put a thru hull in?  Ive been looking into going that route.  I get some interference on my Airmar transum mounted transducer when I use my trolling plate.  Ive heard that the "shoot thru the hull" transducers lose a significant amount of power. however this may not be a problem for you.  It should still perform well enough down to the 500-600ft mark.  Now if you were ocean fishing, and had to reach depths of 1000ft or more, I would think you would have performance problems.

 

Im interested in this as well.  Anybody use a "shoot thru"?

[bigblue]

To chicken to drill a hole in the hull. the P79 has 600 watts and 800 to 1200 ft depth range plenty enough for Lake Ont.

[jigstick]

From what I have heard in the past, even though the transducer is rated to those depths, you lose a substantial amount of power shooting through the hull.  Especially if your hull has a wood core.  If its just fiberglass on the bottom if will perform better.  I honestly am probably just going to drill the hole and put a thru hull transducer in.  It really isnt that big of a deal.  Just determine the dead rise of your hull and pick the appoprriate offset on the transducer.  Choose your location.  Drill a pilot hole.  use a hole saw to drill your hole.  Clean up the edges with some sand paper.  Clean up all the dust with some acetone or alcohol.  Coat the edges with some MarineTex if you want, to get a nice tight fit.  Smear some 3M 4200 on the flange of the ducer and push it up through the bottom of the hole, oriented properly of course.  Little more 4200 on the lock ring.  Lock it down hand tight.  Give it 24hrs to cure.  And thats it.  Its all mental man.  Remember, any hole you put in a boat can be patched with fiberglass and appropriate epoxy.  Even big holes. 

Edited March 25, 2015 by jigstick

[bayofquintecharters]

It isn't all about power. I agree a 600 watt is plenty but a thru hull transducer will have a cleaner clearer return compared to an in hull.

It does boil down to what is "good enough" for you as the game of having the best never ends.

As for drilling a thru hull. Although it is intimidating, it really isn't that bad just measure 5 or 6 times to make sure you aren't to close to stringers etc and drill her through. It is certainly doable. There are lots of videos to help you step by step.

Scott

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[lakebound88]

I used it on my raymarine. Have nothing bad to say about it. Loved it. Clean and clear fishing over 600 foot.

Nick

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[bigblue]

Thanks Nick that's what I was looking for. Glass hull ?

[lakebound88]

Yup. 86 trophy 289. Great unit. Be sure to use a digital level on install. Get the dead rise right the first time

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[kayaker919]

I use an Airmar P79 with my HDS and have had good results.  I originally got it to use until I decided if I wanted to go thru-hull or transom mount before drilling any holes.   That was 3 years ago and I have no reason to go to anything different.

 

I get good solid bottom readings out at 600+ft depth with plenty of gain/sensitivity range left over.  I am sure there is some loss of power, but I have no issue seeing bait and fish at all depths.  I easily mark downrigger weights at all depths (cone is pretty wide).  Under the right conditions I can even see my cheaters.  No problem with tracking bottom at cruising speeds.

 

The P79 is adjustable to deadrise up to 22 degrees and you can dial it in to match your boat's deadrise exactly. Your hull must be solid fiberglass with no wood/foam core or voids.

[bigblue]

Thanks for the info just what I was looking for . Nice to hear the 79 Airmar works well .

[Hookedup]

Thanks for the info just what I was looking for . Nice to hear the 79 Airmar works well .

Last year I drilled the hole in the hull and mounted the airmar in my buddys boat. The same day I mounted the Airmar on my boat transom mount. They both work great but mine on the transom will mark bait at 35mph and his won't. Now that can be something as simple as being off an inch or two on mounting location with the threw hull. Its sure a heck of a lot easier to switch transducers with the transom mount. I will say the hull mounted transducer was very well built and easy to put in. Plus its fun drilling holes in a friends boat.

[bigblue]

HP I have three transducers mounted on the transom already and none of them work well at speed . Don't want to drill a hole through the hull that's why I inquired about the Airmar 79 and lakebound and kayaker have had good results with the in hull 79 I am going that route . Thanks for the replys .

Edited March 28, 2015 by bigblue

[lakebound88]

If you want to step it up. Go flush mount tho. I will be on the new rig this year. A B150 I believe is the model.

Good luck nick

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