Overview

The Garmin 010-10717-20 is an external-mount water temperature probe (Airmar T80) with an 8-pin connector and a 25 ft cable for compatible Garmin sonar installations.

It gives you a dedicated surface-water temperature reading from a stainless steel sensor that can be mounted on a transom or other suitable flat surface, including locations like a live well or engine room where a surface-mounted temperature pickup makes sense.

This is a temperature-only sensor and does not provide speed data.

Key features

• External-mount temperature probe based on the Airmar T80 sensor
• 8-pin connector for Garmin sonar inputs that use the 8-pin transducer connection
• 25 ft cable length for flexible routing to the helm or electronics bay
• Sensor housing in stainless steel for wet, exposed mounting locations
• Transom or bulkhead surface-mount style for direct temperature pickup where you need it
• Temperature-only signal, with no paddlewheel speed function

Installation and mounting

For the most stable readings underway, mount the sensor where it stays submerged in clean water flow and is not in aerated water. Avoid spots directly behind strakes, steps, intakes, or discharges that can introduce bubbles and temperature swings.

Route the cable with chafe protection and a drip loop before it enters compartments. Seal any fastener or pass-through points appropriately for your transom or mounting surface, and keep the connector accessible for service without putting strain on the cable.

Compatibility and fit

This probe terminates in an 8-pin transducer-style plug. Match the connector on your sonar input before ordering and confirm your display or sounder supports a temperature input on the 8-pin connection.

If your boat already has a reliable temperature source from a transducer or another sensor, compare installation locations first. A transom-mounted temperature pickup can read differently than an in-hull or thru-hull location, especially after long runs or when the engine room is warm.

Use cases on board

This probe is a good match for boats that want a dedicated temperature pickup mounted where it tracks surface conditions closely, such as fishing boats watching temperature changes and cruising or racing sailboats that want consistent water temperature data under sail.

It also fits installations where the primary transducer does not include a temperature element, or where its mounting location tends to read warm compared with the surrounding water.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the sensor after saltwater use and check it periodically for marine growth, which can slow response and skew readings. Inspect the cable run for chafe and keep the connector clean and dry when disconnected.