Overview

The Garmin 010-12809-20 is a 2 kW low and medium-band CHIRP thru-hull transducer with a bare-wire cable end for custom wiring into a compatible sounder. It covers 38-75 kHz on the low band and 80-130 kHz on the medium band, so you can keep bottom in deep water while still getting tighter mid-band detail on structure and fish.

This model combines depth with a fast-response water-temperature sensor and is commonly installed on boats 12 m (40') and up. The housing is urethane and installs with a fairing block style mount, with deadrise accommodation up to 22 degrees when fitted correctly.

Because it is a true thru-hull installation and the transducer assembly is substantial at 15.1 kg (33.3 lb.), it is typically planned as a haul-out job with good access inside the hull for the backing hardware and cable routing.

Key features

• 2 kW low/medium CHIRP transducer for deep-water returns plus mid-band definition
• Low band: 38-75 kHz with 19-10 degree port-starboard beamwidth and 10-5 degree fore-aft beamwidth
• Medium band: 80-130 kHz with 13-8 degree beamwidth
• Depth performance up to 1,829 m (6,000') on low and up to 914 m (3,000') on medium
• Depth and fast-response water-temperature sensing in the same thru-hull installation
• 15 m (49') cable with bare-wire termination for direct connection or custom connector work
• Urethane housing with a fairing block style installation for clean water flow across the face
• Compatible with common hull materials including fiberglass, wood, and metal, with deadrise up to 22 degrees
• Xducer ID technology for transducer identification on supported systems

Installation and setup

Plan the mounting location around water flow first. This style of transducer works best where the hull stays in clean, aeration-free water at speed, away from intakes, discharges, strakes, and other hull features that introduce turbulence. It also needs a spot where the beam is not blocked by the keel, running gear, or another transducer.

The fairing block is cut to match your hull angle and keeps the transducer aligned for accurate readings. A stuffing tube is used to bring the cable through the hull, and the below-waterline hardware needs proper bedding with marine sealant and a careful leak check after launch.

Compatibility and system integration

This is a bare-wire model, which is useful when the transducer is landing on a terminal block, junction box, or a connector that gets installed during rigging. Before cutting or terminating the cable, confirm that your sounder supports a 2 kW low/medium CHIRP transducer and that the wiring pinout matches the interface you are using.

For noise-free sonar, route the transducer cable away from high-current wiring, chargers, and engine harnesses, and avoid bundling it tightly with other cables for long runs. Coil any excess cable rather than trimming unless you are certain of the wiring plan and terminations.

Use cases on board

This transducer is a strong match for offshore fishing boats and larger cruising platforms that need dependable bottom tracking in deeper water while still wanting mid-band detail for structure and fish targets. It also fits well in commercial applications where the installation can be protected and serviced from inside the hull.

Maintenance and care

Keep the transducer face clean, and in saltwater applications use a water-based antifouling coating that is safe for transducers if growth becomes an issue. Periodically inspect the external hardware and the bedding area for impact damage, and check the inside fasteners and cable routing points for chafe after the first few trips and at seasonal service intervals.