Overview

The Garmin B60 is a 600 W thru-hull transducer with a tilted element and an 8-pin connector for traditional sonar operation from 50 to 200 kHz. It’s a practical pick for fiberglass and wood hulls where you want the sonar beam pointing closer to straight down without relying on an external fairing. Beamwidth ranges from 45° down to 12°, and real-world depth performance is typically in the 800 ft to 1,200 ft range when conditions and installation allow.

This is a permanent, through-hull install, so it’s meant for boats where you can access the inside of the hull to tighten and seal the fitting and route the cable cleanly to the sounder. It should not be used on metal hulls.

Key features

• 600 W output with an operating frequency range of 50 to 200 kHz
• Beamwidth range of 45° to 12° for a wider view at lower frequency and more detail at higher frequency
• Tilted-element housing options (12° or 20°) to better match hull deadrise at the mounting location
• Thru-hull style suited to fiberglass and wood hulls; not intended for metal hulls
• 8-pin connection for compatible Garmin sounders; a transducer adapter cable is required when interfacing to a 6-pin Garmin sounder
• Installation instructions are provided to support a correct thru-hull install and sealing

Variants

This product is offered in multiple tilt-angle configurations.

The tilt angle is fixed inside the housing and is meant to match the deadrise where the transducer mounts, helping keep the beam closer to vertical once installed.

• 010-10982-21: Tilt 12°. Intended for hull deadrise angles of 8° to 15° at the mounting location to keep the element closer to level in the water.
• 010-10982-20: Tilt 20°. Intended for steeper deadrise at the mounting location, helping maintain a more downward-looking beam without an external fairing.

Compatibility and fit

The B60 is commonly installed on fiberglass and wood hulls and is not appropriate for metal hull applications. Because it’s a thru-hull fitting, the mounting area needs enough interior access for tightening, sealing, and cable routing, and the exterior location should be placed where the transducer face can stay in clean water flow.

Connection is through an 8-pin transducer plug. If your Garmin sounder uses a 6-pin transducer port, plan on using the appropriate adapter cable so the connectors match.

Installation and setup

Thru-hull installs are all about location and sealing. A typical placement is forward of prop wash and away from strakes, steps, and other hull features that aerate the water. Take the time to confirm there’s clearance inside the hull for the retaining nut and for routing the cable away from sharp edges, moving parts, and hot zones.

Follow the supplied instructions closely, especially around hole size, bedding compound, and tightening sequence. A careful install helps prevent leaks and avoids the kind of stress on the housing that can show up later as seepage or intermittent readings.

Use on board

This transducer is a good match for coastal cruisers and fishing boats that want straightforward depth readings and traditional dual-frequency sonar performance from a 600 W thru-hull setup. The tilted element option is especially helpful on boats with noticeable deadrise where a standard straight-element thru-hull would point the beam off-angle.

Maintenance and care

Keep the transducer face clean for consistent bottom tracking, especially if the boat sits in the water for long periods. During haul-outs, inspect the seal area and hardware, remove marine growth carefully, and recheck the cable route inside the hull so it stays protected from chafe and vibration.