XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°)

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) depth sounder is a 1 kW through-hull stainless steel transducer designed for depth and temperature detection. It operates on dual frequencies of 50 kHz and 200 kHz and features Tilted Element™ technology with a 20° tilt angle to compensate for your boat’s keel angle. It is ideal for high-speed vessels, racing sailboats, sport fishing boats, and trailerable boats.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer operates on two distinct frequencies:

50 kHz for deeper penetration and longer range. 200 kHz for higher resolution and superior detail detection at shallower depths.

The maximum detection depth of the XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer varies depending on the frequency used:

At 50 kHz, it can reach a depth of up to 549 meters (1,800 feet). At 200 kHz, the maximum depth is 244 meters (800 feet).

The beam width of the XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) sounder is as follows:

At 50 kHz, the beam width is 22°. At 200 kHz, the beam width is 6°.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer housing is made of stainless steel. This material ensures durability and compatibility with all hull materials.

Yes, the XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer has an integrated sensor for water temperature detection.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer has a nominal power of 1 kW rms (Root Mean Square) at a 2% duty cycle.

The Tilted Element™ technology allows the transducer’s ceramics to be tilted inside the housing. This tilt is specifically 20° for this model. It compensates for the hull’s deadrise angle to ensure the sonar beam is directed vertically and directly beneath the boat. This guarantees strong echo returns and accurate depth readings without requiring a fairing block.

Yes, the XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer is specifically designed for high-speed vessels, racing sailboats, sport fishing boats, and trailerable boats. Its flush-mounted through-hull design reduces drag and turbulence, which is critical for these types of vessels.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer is supplied with a 10-metre (33-foot) cable. The cable is fitted with a black 9-pin connector.

Yes, it is possible to apply an antifouling coating to the transducer. Airmar certifies that applying a coating such as Foulfree does not result in any loss of transducer performance. It is recommended to use a water-based antifouling paint, mandatory in saltwater, and to avoid products containing solvents that could damage the plastic parts of the transducer.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer is specifically designed with a 20° tilted element. It is therefore suited to deadrise angles ranging from 16° to 24°. It is critical to ensure the transducer’s angle matches the hull angle at the selected installation location to guarantee optimal performance.

For a planing powerboat hull, the transducer should be mounted well aft, near the centerline, and inside the first set of lifting strakes. This ensures the transducer remains in contact with the water at high speed. The starboard side of the hull, where the propeller blades move downward, is generally preferred.

Preparing the mounting hole involves several steps:

From inside the hull, mark the center point ensuring sufficient space around it. Then drill a 3 mm or 1/8" pilot hole. From outside the hull, cut a hole using a 95 mm (3-3/4") hole saw for fiberglass or wooden hulls, or a 105 mm (4-1/8") hole saw for metal hulls (for the isolation bushing). The hole must be perpendicular to the hull surface. Sand and clean the area around the hole, inside and outside, to ensure proper adhesion of marine sealant. Perform a dry assembly to determine if the bushing needs to be trimmed. Ensure at least three threads remain visible on the housing above the washer. If not, trim the open end of the bushing.

The diameter of the hole to drill depends on the material of your hull:

For fiberglass or wooden hulls, use a 95 mm (3-3/4") hole saw. For metal hulls, use a 105 mm (4-1/8") hole saw to allow for the installation of the isolation ring. A 3 mm (1/8") pilot hole must be drilled first.

During installation, it is essential to:

Always install both adjustment screws with marine sealant applied to the threads. Wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and hearing protection. Immediately check for leaks once the boat is launched and do not leave it unattended for more than three hours. For a metal hull, ensure the stainless steel housing is isolated from the metal hull to prevent electrolytic corrosion using the provided insulating ring. Never pull, carry, or hold the transducer by its cable. Never use solvents, as they can damage the transducer's plastic components.

For correct orientation, the arrow on top of the transducer must point toward the keel or the centerline of the boat. This aligns the internal angle of the transducer with the keel angle of your hull, ensuring a direct vertical beam and accurate readings.

Yes, the stainless steel housing of the XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer is compatible with all hull materials. For metal hulls, it is critical to use the provided isolation ring to prevent electrolytic corrosion.

The XSONIC Airmar SS164 (20°) transducer is compatible with electronic equipment that supports 1 kW transducers operating on 50/200 kHz frequencies and using a 9-pin black connector. It is notably compatible with Lowrance sonars and Airmar tilted elements.

No, it is critical never to install a metal transducer (such as the SS164 in stainless steel) on a vessel equipped with a positive ground (earth) system. This could cause electrolytic corrosion and damage to the transducer or the boat.