Garmin Transom/Electric Trolling Motor Transducer Installation Instructions

Important Safety Information

WARNING: For product alerts and other important information, refer to the "Important Safety and Product Information" guide included with your chartplotter or fishfinder. Each user is responsible for the conduct of their vessel. The fishfinder is a tool that allows the user to become more aware of the conditions of the water below the vessel, but it does not relieve the user of the responsibility to observe the conditions of the water around the vessel while navigating.

CAUTION: Installation and maintenance of this equipment performed not in accordance with these instructions may cause damage or injury. When drilling, cutting, or sanding, wear safety glasses, a dust mask, and hearing protection.

NOTICE: Before drilling or cutting, check for objects on the opposite side of the surface to be cut.

For maximum performance and to avoid damage to the vessel, install the Garmin device according to the instructions below. Read the instructions carefully before proceeding with the installation. If you encounter any difficulties during installation, visit support.garmin.com for more information.

Software Update

You must update the Garmin chartplotter software when installing this device.

• If your chartplotter has Wi-Fi technology, you must update the software using the ActiveCaptain® app on a compatible Android™ or Apple® device.
• If your chartplotter does not have Wi-Fi technology, you must update the software using a memory card and a Windows® or Mac® computer.

For more information, visit support.garmin.com.

Tools Required for Installation

• Drill and drill bits
• Phillips screwdriver #2
• Masking tape
• Marine sealant

Installation Notes

To ensure optimal performance and minimize interference and noise, route the transducer cable away from power cables, battery compartments, batteries, trolling motor cables, and high-tension cables, such as radar, audio amplifiers, and autopilot pump cables.

Preparing the Transducer for Long-Term Water Exposure

NOTICE: Do not use acetone or acetone-based products on the transducer. Acetone will damage the plastic housing of the transducer.

When installing a transducer on a vessel that spends a lot of time in the water, you should coat the transducer and mounting components with a water-based anti-fouling paint to prevent the buildup of marine growth.

1. Lightly sand the transducer and mounting components with fine-grit sandpaper.
2. Clean the transducer and mounting components with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Apply water-based anti-fouling paint to the transducer and mounting components.

Installing the Transducer on a Transom

Transom Installation Location Notes

• The transducer must be installed parallel to the waterline.
• Install the transducer as close to the center of the vessel as possible.
• If the propeller rotates clockwise when moving forward, install the transducer on the starboard side.
• If the propeller rotates counter-clockwise when moving forward, install the transducer on the port side.
• Do not install the transducer in line with thru-hull fittings, steps, or any other feature that could create air bubbles.
• For optimal performance, the transducer should be positioned in clean, undisturbed water.
• Do not install the transducer in a location where it could be struck during docking or while underway.
• On single-engine vessels, do not install the transducer directly behind the propeller.
• The transducer can cause a cavitation effect that could compromise vessel performance and damage the propeller.
• On outboard or sterndrive vessels, install the transducer at least 38 cm (15 in.) from the propeller.
• On twin-engine vessels, if possible, install the transducer between the engines.

Assembling the Transducer with a Transom Mount Bracket

1. Secure the bracket ① to the transducer ② using the star washers ③ and screws ④.
2. Secure the bracket to the mounting bracket ⑤ using the rubber washer, flat washer ⑧, and lock nut.

NOTE: The bolt should be tight enough to keep the transducer in place when the vessel is traveling at high speed, but loose enough to allow the transducer to pivot if it strikes an object.

Installing the Transducer

NOTICE: If you are installing the bracket using screws in fiberglass, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to create a countersink in the resin layer. This will help prevent cracks caused by tightening the screws into the resin layer.

Do not cut the cables connected to the transducer. Doing so will void the warranty.

1. Cut out the template.
2. Align the template ① vertically with the transom installation location (Transom Installation Location Notes, page 1), and position the lower corner ② of the template on the edge of the transom.
3. Mark the center location of the two holes in the template.
4. Remove the template from the transom.
5. Wrap tape around a 4 mm (5/32 in.) drill bit approximately 18 mm (7/10 in.) from the tip of the bit to prevent drilling too deep.
6. If installing the bracket in fiberglass, apply tape to the reference hole location to reduce cracking of the resin layer.
7. Using a 4 mm (5/32 in.) drill bit, drill reference holes approximately 18 mm (7/10 in.) deep at the marked locations.
8. Apply marine sealant to the 20 mm screws provided, and then secure the transducer assembly to the transom.
9. Route the cable under the cable management clip on the transom bracket.
10. To route the cable through the transom, select a reference hole location above the waterline and mark it.
11. Secure the cable tie on the transducer cable midway between the transducer and the top of the transom or the pass-through hole.
12. Mark the reference hole locations for the cable tie, and then using a 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) drill bit, drill a reference hole approximately 10 mm (3/8 in.) deep.
13. Apply marine sealant to the 12 mm screw provided, and then secure the cable tie to the transom.
14. If you marked a reference hole in step 7, select the appropriate drill bit to drill a clearance hole through the transom:
    • If you have a 4-pin cable, use a 16 mm (5/8 in.) drill bit.
    • If you have an 8-pin or 12-pin cable, use a 25 mm (1 in.) drill bit.
15. Route the transducer cable through the echo sounder, paying attention to the following:
    • If the cable is routed through the pass-through hole, insert it through the pass-through hole, and then install the cable entry cover (Installing the Cable Pass-Through, page 2).
    • If the cable is not routed through the pass-through hole, route it up and over the top of the transom.
    • Avoid routing the cable near other electrical wires or potential sources of electrical interference.

Installing the Cable Pass-Through

If you routed the cable through the transom after installing the transducer, you must install the cable entry cover to prevent water from entering the vessel.

1. Position the cable pass-through ① over the hole and cable, with the opening facing down, and mark the location of the two reference holes.
2. Remove the cable pass-through and, using a 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) drill bit, drill reference holes approximately 10 mm (3/8 in.) deep.
3. Fill the pass-through hole with marine sealant to completely cover the cable, and ensure any excess sealant is around the hole and cable.
4. Position the cable pass-through over the hole and cable, with the opening facing down.
5. Apply marine sealant to the 12 mm M4 screws provided, and then secure the cable pass-through to the transom.
6. Remove any excess marine sealant.

Verifying the Installation

NOTICE: Verify that there are no leaks on the vessel before leaving it in the water for an extended period.

Because the fishfinder signal travels through water, the transducer must be submerged in water for proper operation. Out of the water, it cannot read depth or distance. While the vessel is in the water, check for leaks around the screw holes that are submerged.

Verifying the Transom Transducer Installation

NOTICE: Adjust the transducer depth in small increments. Setting the transducer too deep can negatively affect vessel performance and increase the risk of the transducer striking objects in the water.

Test the transom transducer installation in open water, away from obstructions. Pay attention to your surroundings when testing the transducer.

1. Turn on the chartplotter while the vessel is in the water.
2. Operate the vessel at slow speed. If the chartplotter functions correctly, gradually increase speed while continuing to monitor the screen.
3. If you suddenly lose the fishfinder signal or the bottom echo degrades, note the speed at which this occurs.
4. Return the vessel to the speed at which the signal was lost, and then turn moderately in both directions while continuing to monitor the chartplotter.
5. If the signal strength increases during a turn, adjust the transducer so it extends 3 mm (1/8 in.) lower than the vessel's transom.
6. Repeat steps 2 through 4 until the degradation is eliminated.
7. If the signal does not improve, move the transducer to a different location on the transom and repeat the test.

Installing the Transducer on a Trolling Motor

NOTICE: Do not cut the transducer cable. Doing so will void the warranty.

1. Thread a cable tie ① (not included) through the slot on the transducer bracket ②, so that an equal length of the cable tie extends from both sides of the bracket.
2. Position the transducer bracket against the trolling motor body, with the narrow end facing away from the propeller.
3. Pass the cable from the output ⑤ so that the cable rests on top of the trolling motor housing when it is stowed.

Installing the Trolling Motor Transducer

NOTICE: Do not cut the transducer cable. Doing so will void the warranty.

1. Thread a cable tie ① (not included) through the slot on the transducer bracket ②, so that an equal length of the cable tie extends from both sides of the bracket.
2. Position the transducer bracket against the trolling motor body, with the narrow end facing away from the propeller.
3. Pass the cable from the output ⑤ so that the cable rests on top of the trolling motor housing when it is stowed.
4. Position the transducer so it is parallel to the bottom when in use.
5. Use the cable ties (not included) to secure the transducer cable.
6. Route the transducer cable to the echo sounder location, following these precautions:
   • Avoid routing the cable near other electrical wires or potential sources of electrical interference.
   • Ensure the cable is not kinked when the trolling motor is extended or retracted.

Trolling Motor Bracket Assembly

1. Using the 8 mm M4 screws ① and 4 mm star washers ②, secure the trolling motor bracket ③ to the transducer ④.

Technical Specifications

¹ Depends on water salinity, bottom composition, and other water conditions.

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