Airmar P79 - Plastic oil-filled transducer 600W with hull angle compensation – (8-pin)

The Airmar P79 transducer operates on two distinct frequencies:

50 kHz: with a 45° beam, it can reach depths down to 305 meters (1000 feet). 200 kHz: with a 12° beam, it is effective for readings up to 183 meters (600 feet).

The Garmin Airmar P79 transducer has a power output of 600 W (RMS).

The Airmar P79 transducer is ideal for owners of small fiberglass monohull sailboats. Its in-hull (oil-filled) installation is particularly suited to trailerable boats or those frequently ashore, as it has no protruding elements beneath the hull.

The Airmar P79 transducer is made of plastic.

The Airmar P79 transducer comes with a 7.6 m (25 ft) cable.

No, the Garmin Airmar P79 transducer is designed for depth readings only.

The 'hull deadrise compensation' is a feature that allows the depth sounder to adjust for the deadrise angle of your boat's hull. The Airmar P79 sounder can easily compensate for deadrise angles up to 22°, ensuring the acoustic beam is always directed vertically toward the seabed for optimal depth reading accuracy.

No, the specified model is the standard P79. While there is a 'Smart™ Sensor' version (P79S), this product refers to the P79 model, which is a traditional depth sounder.

The Airmar P79 transducer is fitted with an 8-pin Garmin connector, making it compatible with Garmin devices equipped with a transducer port of this type.

The Airmar P79 transducer can compensate for a hull deadrise angle ranging from 2° to 22°, ensuring the acoustic beam remains vertically oriented for accurate readings.

No, the Airmar P79 transducer is an in-hull (oil-filled) installation and does not require any hull drilling. The mounting housing is bonded directly to the inside of the hull.

A cooling system using non-toxic antifreeze liquid (propylene glycol) ensures efficient sound transmission through the fiberglass hull. Approximately 71 ml (2.4 fl. oz.) of this liquid is required.

Choose a location where:

The fiberglass is SOLID (no air bubbles or coring materials).The hull beneath the transducer will always be in contact with water.The water flow under the hull is smoothest, with minimal bubbles and turbulence.Far from interference sources (propellers, shafts, machinery, other sounders).The beam will not be blocked by the keel or propeller shafts.The drift angle does not exceed 22°.There is sufficient space inside the boat.For planing hulls, well aft, on or near the centerline, and well within the first strake.

Yes, several precautions must be observed:

Always wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and hearing protection. Always use the transducer in a liquid; operating it in air can cause overheating and failure. The fiberglass hull under the transducer must be SOLID, without foam or balsa. Do not install the transducer in an engine compartment or a hot area where the liquid temperature could exceed 60°C (140°F). Never pull, carry, or hold the transducer by its cable. Do not use epoxy adhesive as it is too brittle. Never use solvents, as they can damage the transducer’s plastic parts.

You can test the location by performing a performance comparison:

Reference test: Connect the transducer to the fishfinder, submerge it completely on the side of the boat (for example, attached to a pole) and observe the depth reading and performance.
In-hull test: Clean the inside hull surface. You can place the transducer against the hull with bilge water to cover it, or use a plastic bag filled with water between the transducer and the hull, or coat the active face with a water-based lubricant.
Compare the fishfinder's performance with the reference test. A good location will provide a stable and similar reading. If the reading is erratic or absent, the location may be above an area with core material.

If your fiberglass hull contains core material (coring) such as foam or balsa, the transducer will not be able to transmit sound effectively. In this case, you must remove the core material from the installation area and replace it with repair resin or epoxy to create a solid, massive hull section. A 100 mm (4 inch) hole saw and a mini angle grinder may be required for this operation.

For basic installation, you will need:

Safety glasses, dust mask, hearing protection.Adhesive tape, pole, detergent, mild solvent (alcohol).Angle grinder (to smooth the hull if necessary).Tape measure, pencil, carpenter’s square.Silicone sealant (e.g. GE® Silicone I or II).Screwdriver, petroleum jelly.Propylene glycol (non-toxic antifreeze/coolant) - 71 ml (2.4 fl. oz.).Level, grommet(s) (for certain installations).For installation in a fiberglass hull with coring, additional tools such as a power drill, 100 mm (4 in) hole saw, mini angle grinder, and epoxy or repair resin will be required.