P79S SmartDucer adhesive depth sounder transducer (DeviceNet NMEA 2000 connector)

The main difference lies in their installation method and design:

The P79S is an in-hull transducer: it is installed inside the boat's hull, eliminating the need to drill through the hull. It transmits the signal through the hull material (solid fiberglass).
A through-hull transducer: requires drilling a hole in the hull so the transducer is in direct contact with the water beneath the boat.
The P79S thus offers simpler installation, no risk of leaks, and better protection against underwater impacts.

The P79S depth sounder is particularly well-suited to sailboats and powerboats with a solid fiberglass hull. It is ideal for owners who wish to avoid drilling through their boat's hull. It is not recommended for hulls made of wood, steel, aluminum, or sandwich-core hulls (with foam or balsa core).

Yes, the P79S transducer is equipped with an adjustable keel angle compensation feature. This allows you to optimize the beam orientation of the depth sounder to obtain accurate depth readings, even if the transducer is not installed perfectly level relative to the waterline or if the boat has a keel with a certain angle.

Yes, the NMEA 2000 cable is integrated into the P79S depth sounder. It is typically supplied with a standard length of about 6 meters (20 feet), fitted with a DeviceNet connector for direct connection to the NMEA 2000 network.

No, one of the main advantages of the P79S transducer is that it is designed for installation without drilling the hull. It is mounted inside the boat, transmitting signals through the solid fiberglass hull.

The general installation process for the P79S transducer involves the following steps:

Preparing the area: Clean and lightly sand the interior surface of the hull where the transducer will be installed.Creating a tank: The transducer is installed in a tank (often supplied or to be fabricated) which is then bonded to the hull using appropriate marine adhesive.Filling the tank: The tank is filled with a non-toxic liquid (such as propylene glycol) to ensure good signal transmission between the transducer and the hull.Positioning the transducer: The transducer is placed in the tank and adjusted for keel angle compensation.Connection: The NMEA 2000 cable is routed and connected to the boat's network.

To mount the P79S transducer, you will typically need:

A marine-grade epoxy adhesive or similar sealant to attach the transducer’s housing to the hull. A non-toxic coupling fluid, such as propylene glycol (non-toxic antifreeze), to fill the housing and enable signal transmission through the hull. The P79S kit often includes the necessary components to build and mount the housing.

The best location to install the P79S transducer is in an area of the hull where water flow is most laminar and free of air bubbles. Ideally, it should be placed:

As close as possible to the boat’s centerline.Ahead of propellers, keels, water intakes, or any other underwater hull disturbance.In a section of solid fiberglass hull, without core material (foam, balsa, etc.).It is recommended to temporarily test several locations before final installation to determine the best performance.

The keel angle compensation adjustment on the P79S is done manually. The transducer comes with shims or an adjustment mechanism that allows tilting the transducer inside its housing. This compensates for the hull angle, ensuring the depth sounder beam is directed vertically toward the seabed for accurate depth readings.

Yes, the performance of the P79S depth sounder is directly affected by the hull material. It is specifically designed to operate optimally through solid fiberglass hulls. Wooden, steel, aluminum, or sandwich hulls (with foam or balsa cores) are not compatible with this type of adhesive-mounted transducer, as they block or excessively attenuate the acoustic signal.

Yes, it is possible to remove the P79S transducer once installed, but this depends on the method used to secure the tank to the hull. If an epoxy adhesive was used, removal may be difficult and could potentially damage the hull or the tank. If the tank is secured with a less permanent sealant, removal will be easier. The coupling fluid can be removed and replaced if necessary for maintenance.

The P79S transducer uses a standard DeviceNet connector to connect to the NMEA 2000 network. This connector is the most common type for NMEA 2000 devices and provides a plug-and-play connection with your existing network.

Although the P79S transducer is installed inside the hull and not directly exposed to seawater, it is built with robust materials to withstand typical marine environments on a boat. Its components are protected against humidity and temperature variations found inside a boat hull.