Raymarine TM185MW CHIRP Transom Mount Transducer, 1kW, Depth and Temperature, 60-100 kHz

Overview

The Raymarine A80803 is a TM185MW 1 kW CHIRP-ready transom-mount transducer for depth and fast-response water-temperature readings. It runs a medium CHIRP band from 60 to 100 kHz, with a wide port-to-starboard beam from 57° to 73° and a 16° average fore-and-aft beam, giving anglers broad coverage under the boat without moving to a through-hull installation.

This transducer is a practical fit for fishing boats, trailerable vessels, and smaller hulls where drilling for a through-hull transducer is not the right choice. The 1 kW power rating supports bottom tracking down to 400 m or 1,300 ft, while the medium frequency range helps with mid-depth target separation and coverage for pelagic fish in the upper water column.

The housing uses urethane with a stainless bracket, and the 9 m or 30 ft cable gives installers room to route the cable from the transom to the sonar equipment. It is made for transom angles from 2° to 22° and is rated for good performance at boat speeds below 30 knots when installed in clean water flow.

Key features

• 1 kW CHIRP-ready single-band transducer for depth and fast-response water-temperature sensing.
• Medium CHIRP frequency range from 60 to 100 kHz, giving 40 kHz of total bandwidth from one transducer.
• Wide 57° to 73° port-to-starboard beam helps cover more water below the boat when searching for fish.
• 16° average fore-and-aft beam helps keep the return focused in the boat’s direction of travel.
• Depth tracking capability down to 400 m or 1,300 ft, depending on conditions, installation, and sonar system setup.
• Transom mount format works well on small and trailered boats where a through-hull transducer may interfere with launching, loading, or hull layout.
• Urethane housing with stainless bracket for a mount location exposed to spray, vibration, and normal marine use.
• 9 m or 30 ft cable length supports clean routing from the transom toward the display or sonar module.
• Compatible with all hull materials because the sensor mounts on the transom rather than through the hull.
• Includes Xducer ID technology for transducer identification on compatible systems.

Installation and fit

The TM185MW mounts on the transom, so placement matters. It should sit where it can stay in smooth water flow, away from strakes, steps, through-hull fittings, and heavy turbulence from the propeller. On planing boats, careful positioning helps the transducer keep bottom and fish targets at speed.

The stated transom angle range is 2° to 22°. Before installation, the mounting area should be checked for space, cable routing, and clearance when the boat is on a trailer or lift. The transom mount format also makes future service easier than many through-hull installations because the unit remains accessible from outside the boat.

Sonar performance

The medium ultra-wide CHIRP band is useful for anglers who want coverage and target separation in the mid-depth range rather than a narrow, deep-only view. The broad port-to-starboard beam can help show bait, suspended fish, and pelagic activity across a wider area under the boat.

As with any high-power transducer, final performance depends on clean installation, hull shape, sea state, speed, and the connected sonar equipment. For the best results, the cable should be routed away from high-current wiring and secured so vibration and chafe do not damage it over time.

Use cases on board

This transducer suits fishing-focused boats that need CHIRP depth and water temperature from a transom installation. It is especially relevant for trailerable sportfishing boats, center consoles, and smaller leisure vessels where through-hull mounting is not practical or where easy maintenance is a priority.

For owners targeting fish in the upper water column and mid-depth zones, the medium frequency range and wide beam help build a fuller picture under the boat while still keeping the installation straightforward.

Maintenance and care

Because the transducer sits outside the hull, it should be inspected regularly for impact damage, marine growth, loose hardware, and cable wear. Keeping the acoustic face clean helps preserve sonar returns, especially in saltwater where fouling can build up quickly.

After trailering, launching, or running in debris, a quick visual check of the bracket and cable path can prevent small issues from turning into poor sonar performance or physical damage.