Airmar P19 – Plastic Through-Hull Sonar 500W (77/200kHz) with Tilted Element (20°) – (8-pin)

The GARMIN Airmar P19 is a plastic through-hull transducer designed for depth and water temperature detection. It features a 20° tilted element technology to optimize performance on hulls with a specific deadrise angle. Its discreet design minimizes drag under the hull.

The Airmar P19 transducer has a power output of 500W and operates at frequencies of 77 kHz and 200 kHz. These frequencies are used for depth detection.

The Airmar P19 transducer can reach a maximum depth of 274 meters (approximately 900 feet) under optimal conditions.

The Airmar P19 transducer offers different beam angles depending on the frequency used:

At 77 kHz, the beam angle is 45°. At 200 kHz, the beam angle is 15°.

The Airmar P19 transducer is recommended for fiberglass or metal hulls. Its plastic housing is not suitable for wooden hulls, as wood swelling could crack the plastic.

The 20°-angled element in the Airmar P19 transducer is designed to compensate for the deadrise angle (16° to 24°) of hulls. This ensures optimal horizontal orientation of the depth sounder’s beam, providing accurate echo returns and improved performance.

Once installed, the GARMIN Airmar P19 transducer has a low profile and extends only about 5 mm (3/16") outside the hull, which helps reduce drag.

The Airmar P19 transducer comes with a 9-metre (approximately 30-foot) cable.

The Airmar P19 transducer features an 8-pin Garmin connector, ensuring direct integration with Garmin fishfinder and chartplotter systems compatible with this connector type. It is recommended to verify specific compatibility with your Garmin device model.

No, the Airmar P19 transducer, with its plastic housing, is not recommended for installation on a wooden hull. Wood swelling in contact with water could exert excessive pressure on the plastic housing and cause it to crack.

Yes, the Airmar P19 transducer is specifically designed with a 20° tilted element for installation on hulls with a deadrise angle (keel angle) between 16° and 24°. This ensures the transducer beam is correctly oriented toward the seabed.

For installing the P19 transducer, you will need several tools and materials, including:

Safety glasses, a dust mask, and hearing protection. An electric drill (with a 10mm or 3/8" or larger chuck). A 3mm or 1/8" drill bit. A 51mm (2") hole saw for the exterior of the hull and a 60mm (2-3/8") hole saw for the interior (for fiberglass laminated hulls). Sandpaper. A mild household detergent or a weak solvent (such as alcohol). Marine sealant suitable for below the waterline. Cable ties. Water-based antifouling paint (mandatory in saltwater).

The diameter of the hole to be drilled depends on the part of the hull:

For the outer hole in the hull, a hole saw with a Ø 51mm (2") diameter is required. For laminated fiberglass hulls (cored fiberglass hull), a larger hole of Ø 60mm (2-3/8") is needed on the inside of the hull to remove the core material. It is recommended to drill a pilot hole of Ø 3mm (1/8") first.

During installation, it is crucial that the arrow on top of the Airmar P19 transducer points toward the keel or the boat's centerline. This orientation ensures the transducer's tilted element is properly aligned with your hull's deadrise angle for optimal performance.

For optimal performance, the transducer must be mounted in an area where water flows smoothly, with minimal bubbles and turbulence, especially at high speed. It must remain constantly immersed in water at all speeds, and its beam must not be obstructed by the keel or propeller shaft. Avoid areas near water intakes, discharges, or behind strakes that could disrupt water flow. For planing powerboats, a position well aft, near the centerline and inside the first set of strakes, is often preferred.

Yes, it is mandatory to use a marine sealant suitable for below-the-waterline use. Apply a layer about 2 mm (1/16") thick around the flange and on the side wall of the housing. The sealant must extend beyond the combined thickness of the hull, washer, and nut to ensure a perfect seal and keep the hull nut in place.

For fiberglass hulls: Ensure the area around the hole is sanded and clean for proper adhesion of the sealant. For laminated fiberglass hulls, follow the specific instructions for cutting the inner layers.

Yes, the GARMIN Airmar P19 transducer is a dual-sensor solution capable of detecting both depth and water temperature.

The Airmar P19 transducer is a low-cost plastic option. For different hulls or specific robustness requirements, Airmar offers alternatives:

Bronze transducers, such as the B60, are typically recommended for fiberglass or wooden hulls. Stainless steel transducers, such as the SS60, are compatible with all hull materials, including metal, provided they are properly isolated.