Fairing block (Panoptix™ PS70)

The Garmin fairing block (part number 010-13230-00) is an accessory designed specifically for the Panoptix PS70 through-hull transducer. It optimizes the transducer installation for maximum sonar performance, particularly in deep sea and offshore navigation. This component is essential for correctly positioning the transducer, ensuring clarity and precision in the PS70’s real-time sonar views.

This fairing block is specifically designed for the Garmin Panoptix™ PS70 transducer. It is essential to fully exploit the capabilities of this transducer.

The fairing block improves sonar performance by compensating for the boat's deadrise angle. It ensures the transducer beam (120° x 8° at frequencies of 190-210 kHz) is directed perpendicular to the water surface. This correction is essential for obtaining accurate LiveVü™ Down views, clear traditional sonar images, and reliable RealVü™ 3D Historical representations, even in rough sea conditions thanks to the PS70's built-in image stabilization.

The Panoptix PS70 transducer, supported by this housing, features the following characteristics:

A power output of 800 watts.A fast refresh rate of at least 10 frames per second.A capability to reach depths of up to 300 meters thanks to RapidReturn™ technology.Integrated image stabilization for reliable views even in rough seas.

The product reference (SKU) for this Garmin fairing block is 010-13230-00.

This fairing block is compatible with several hull types, including:

Fiberglass hulls with core (cored fiberglass).Fiberglass hulls without core (non-cored fiberglass).Metal hulls.

This transducer can be installed with the included fairing block in a hull location with a deadrise angle of 20 degrees or less.

Yes, to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the device or your boat, installation by a qualified marine technician is recommended.

The following tools are required for installing the fairing block:

Drill and drill bits (3 mm, 18 mm, 42 mm, 13 mm, 33 mm, 16 mm, 38 mm depending on hull type).Wrenches (18 mm, 46 mm or adjustable).Marine sealant (flexible, fast-curing, for below the waterline).Mild detergent or rubbing alcohol.Sandpaper, masking tape, waterproof electrical tape.Wax.Jigsaw and file or electric tool (for cutting the fairing block).High-quality marine-grade epoxy resin (for fiberglass hulls with a core).Water-based antifouling paint (optional).

Cutting the fairing block to fit the hull keel angle involves several steps:

Secure the fairing block to a wooden piece that will serve as a cutting guide.Measure the keel angle of the hull at the mounting location.Set your bandsaw table to match this angle and secure the cutting guide.Position the fairing block on the table so that the cutting guide rests against the stop and the angle matches that of the mounting location.Adjust the cutting guide to divide the fairing block into roughly equal sections so that after cutting, the block measures between 6 and 12 mm at its thinnest point, without cutting past the maximum cut line indicator.Cut the fairing block.Use a file or power tool to shape the fairing block so that it fits the hull as precisely as possible.The arrows on the fairing block must point toward the bow of the vessel after installation.

The choice of mounting location for the transducer is crucial for optimal performance. Here are the important considerations:

On outboard and sterndrive boats: The transducer must be mounted forward and close to the engine(s).On inboard boats: It must be mounted forward and away from the propeller and the engine shaft.On stepped-hull boats: The transducer must be mounted forward of the first step.On long-keel boats: It must be mounted to aim toward the bow, parallel to the centerline.On fin-keel boats: It must be mounted 25 to 75 cm ahead of the keel and no more than 10 cm off the centerline.On displacement-hull boats: It must be mounted approximately one-third of the waterline length from the bow, and 150 to 300 mm off the centerline.The transducer must not be mounted behind frames, reinforcements, joints, water intake or discharge openings, or anything that creates air bubbles or turbulent water. It must be in clean (non-turbulent) water.Avoid locations where it could be shaken during launching, towing, or storage.On single-propulsion boats, the transducer must not be mounted in the propeller wash to avoid cavitation.On twin-propulsion boats, it should be mounted between the propulsors if possible.

Marine sealant application is crucial to ensure perfect watertightness and prevent leaks. It must be applied along the water path between all components, including:

Between the fairing block and the hull.Between the fairing block and the transducer.Between the fairing block and the anti-rotation bolt cap.In the holes for the bolts and the transducer cable rod.Between the rod and the hull nut.Between the rings, the rod, and the hull.Between the transducer and the hull housing (if installed without a fairing block).

The included anti-rotation bolt is a critical component of the installation with the fairing block. Its purpose is to prevent the transducer from rotating while the boat is in motion, which could damage your vessel and compromise sonar performance.

The arrows on the fairing block must point toward the bow of the vessel. This orientation ensures the transducer is correctly aligned with the boat's direction of travel for accurate sonar readings.

Yes, it is mandatory to update the software of your Garmin chartplotter when installing this device. For update instructions, please refer to your chartplotter's user manual.

To prepare a cored fiberglass hull, follow these steps:

Select a mounting location free of irregularities or obstructions. Use the fairing block as a template to mark the locations of the stem hole and the anti-rotation bolt hole. From the outside, drill a 3 mm pilot hole at the stem hole location, perpendicular to the waterline. Apply masking tape over the pilot hole and the surrounding area on the hull's exterior. Use a 42 mm hole saw or wood bit to cut the stem hole through the outer skin, inner skin, and core, perpendicular to the waterline. Remove the core material plug from the hole. Sand and clean the inner skin, core, and outer skin around the hole. Test-fit the transducer to verify the marked location of the anti-rotation bolt hole. Adjust the location if necessary. Use an 18 mm drill bit to drill the anti-rotation bolt hole fully through the hull, perpendicular to the waterline. Sand and clean the area around the holes. Seal the exposed inner core with marine-grade fiberglass epoxy resin and allow it to cure before installing the transducer. It is critical to properly seal the core to prevent water intrusion.

To prepare a non-cored fiberglass hull, follow these steps:

Select a mounting location free of irregularities or obstructions. Use the fairing block as a template to mark the locations of the through-hull hole and the anti-rotation bolt hole. From the outside, drill a 3 mm pilot hole at the through-hull hole location, perpendicular to the waterline. Apply masking tape over the pilot hole and the surrounding area on the outside of the hull. Use a 33 mm hole saw or spade bit to cut the through-hull hole, perpendicular to the waterline. Test-fit the transducer and verify the marked location of the anti-rotation bolt hole. Adjust the location if necessary. Use a 13 mm drill bit to bore the anti-rotation bolt hole, perpendicular to the waterline. Sand and clean the inside of the holes and the surrounding area.

To prepare a metal hull, follow these steps:

Select a mounting location free of irregularities or obstructions. Use the fairing block as a template to mark the locations for the stem hole and the anti-rotation bolt hole. From the outside, drill a 3 mm pilot hole at the stem hole location, perpendicular to the waterline. Use a 38 mm hole saw to cut the stem hole, perpendicular to the waterline. Test-fit the transducer and verify the marked location of the anti-rotation bolt hole. Adjust the location if necessary. Use a 16 mm drill bit to drill the anti-rotation bolt hole, perpendicular to the waterline. Sand and clean the inside of the holes and the surrounding area.

Yes, the Panoptix PS70 transducer can be installed without the fairing block if mounted in a dedicated hull pocket. In this case, the anti-rotation bolt and fairing block are not used. However, it is necessary to drill the transducer stem hole in the hull pocket and ensure perfect watertightness.

The Panoptix PS70 transducer operates on frequencies between 190 and 210 kHz. Its beam has an angle of 120° x 8°, which, combined with the fairing block, provides precise and detailed real-time sonar views.