Depth transducer compatibility with older Garmin GPS?

[dalepo]

I have a Garmin GPS 73 that has a four-pin NMEA 0183 data port in the back. I'd like to install a simple depth transducer inside the hull of my fiberglass sailboat and connect it with my Garmin device to get depth readings, rather than purchasing a dedicated depth meter.

A tech at Garmin told me they no longer produce NMEA 0183 transducers. I assume, though, there must be a way I can connect a simple, currently available transducer to my Garmin and get them talking to each other, no?

Any guidance welcome. I've never used transducers before so this is all new to me. Thanks.

[Pete7]

You could but since small colour GPS / Fishfinders are now so cheap surely it would make sense to keep the Garmin as a back up and switch to something like this:

https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/528812

We do all our pilotage on a slightly bigger Garmin unit which displays charts, depth and is connected to a simple AIS receiver to boot showing other vessels.

Worth having a think about this before splashing the cash and seeing what deals Defender or your local chandlers are doing.

Pete

[ronstory]

The challenge with the inexpensive fish finders is most of them come with a stern mounting bracket for the transducer, rather than a thru-hull connection. Depending on the sailboat's hull shape, that may or may not work.

[Pete7]

True, but I have never had a problem placing them inside the hull with a blob of sealant to fire through the hull. The club dive boat one is still in place after I glued it in to the deck well one lunchtime as a test in 1997.

Putting it in a plastic bag of water to see how it will work first is helpful.

Pete

[dalepo]

Thanks, Ron and Pete, for these suggestions. Yes, I was thinking of just finding a compatible transom-mount transponder and mounting it inside the hull using wax or plumber's putty. The big question is whether the newer transponders will talk to my GPS 73, and whether I can find appropriate adapters to connect the cables.

I looked at the Garmin Striker 4. It seems to focus on the graphical fish-finding functions, which I really don't need. The GPS 73 has various route-planning and sailing-specific functions that make it a better fit for my needs, so ideally I'd just like to find a simple transponder that I know will work with it!

[ronstory]

Maybe this would work? Is says Garmin and NMEA0183, but I would call. That said, WM has a great return policy so you could give it try. I'm not sure what plugs you need, but that's another issue.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmi...MaAi-gEALw_wcB

[ronstory]

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[ronstory]

Actually it look like the P39 and the P79 are developed by Airmar. P79 is an in-hull transducer.

http://www.airmar.com/uploads/brochures/p39.pdf

[Greg Mason]

I had to do a similar thing, and only wanted the depth data, and Airmar gave me the connection information and which coloured lines to connect. In my case I needed a box that the transducer connected to, then to Sea Talk on my Raymarine.

[smac999]

if nmea 183 transducers are not available anymore. you could buy a nmea 2000 transducer, a nmea 2000 starter kit, and then a nmea 2000 to nmea 183 converter. but that would be kinda silly...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, dalepo.