Airmar m260 in hull transducer

guido99 · May 10, 2009, 21:24:39 CET

Just installeled an Airmar m260 in hull transducer in my new boat , should try it out in a couple of weeks. Does anyone have any experience with this transducer locally ?

Moonwalker · May 19, 2009, 00:17:48 CET

I am thinking of getting one too. Where you got it from and how much? I have the Furuno 585 with the CA50B but am not very satisfied with reading over 400m. Any idea if the M260 will be better?

guido99 · May 19, 2009, 04:55:06 CET

I got mine from here http://www.marinedeal.com/product_p/c28931.htm. I also have the furuno 585 and had an m258 transom mount with adjustable bracket, used to work good up to 500m but it quit working properly at 50 khz at depth over 350m, probably my fault for accidentally leaving the furuno on at max power with the transducer bracket in the up position ( OUT OF THE WATER) . I'm not too familIar with the CA50B, but it would be safe to say that the M260 is the best 1KW transducer you can get for your 585. Click on the link below to view my installation.

Moonwalker · May 19, 2009, 10:47:29 CET

Nice installation. I dont have much space in my 15' Kaptan Trend so am still not sure if it will fit. What is the minimum height of the outer tank please? And did you use oil or anti freeze to fill the tank?
It connects directly to the furuno without matching box right?
Most important have you tested it yet? Some ppl say they can see the fish at 400m but I still dont believe this.

guido99 · May 19, 2009, 14:56:10 CET

I attached the airmar brochure that shows all the dimensions you need, i filled mine with propylene glycol in pure form, purchased from a chemical supplier in Mriehel. I used west system epoxy and glass ribbon to bond the tank to the hull. If you wish to see my installation let me know, the boat is in Msida in my garage. I haven't tried it out yet but first week of june ill take her out for a spin in 300m to 500m waters and see how well it works.

guido99 · May 19, 2009, 15:04:29 CET

Yes it plugs in directly to the furuno 585. If you decide to get one make sure it is the " FURUNO 527ID-IHD " or else you may need to patch to a matching box or at least purchase a 10pin lead to splice into.

Moonwalker · May 19, 2009, 22:17:48 CET

Thanks for all the info. I found different M260 models with different prices. I already have a matching box. So do all the M260 have the same performance - those with direct plug and those that connect to matching box?

guido99 · May 20, 2009, 04:30:38 CET

yes they are all the same as long as you get the newer version. The older version comes in a similar box but with stainless lid. Dont get this version it is not as good, and has been discontinued by airmar.
Click on the link to view older version.

Moonwalker · May 20, 2009, 10:41:37 CET

Yes I was thinking about that item since the price is quite good. Thanks again for all the help. I will order one soon

Moonwalker · June 11, 2009, 11:43:15 CET

Did you try the M260 yet? Let me know how it performs please.

guido99 · June 11, 2009, 12:37:08 CET

No i havent tried it yet, this Saturday i launch the boat and hopefully ill give it a good test on Sunday. I will keep you posted.

guido99 · June 15, 2009, 08:11:03 CET

tried it yesterday south of Filfla, reads bottom well @ 15 Knots 300 - 450 meters, solid echo with manual gain @ 6. Did not go any deeper yet but am confident it will easily give me 600 meters at a slower speed.

Moonwalker · June 15, 2009, 10:31:31 CET

Good to know that. Mine is still on the way.... waiting....
Btw - try setting tvg to high for deeper bottom cos it makes a lot of difference.

guido99 · June 15, 2009, 11:22:21 CET

Yes that's the setting i use, gives a better reading in deeper water.