Garmin GT12M Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer - 350W Mid-Band CHIRP with 20° Tilt for High Deadrise Hulls
Specialized Mid-Band CHIRP Performance for High Deadrise Hull Designs
The Garmin GT12M-THF Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer with 20-degree tilt delivers exceptional sonar performance specifically engineered for high-performance fishing and cruising boats with aggressive V-hull deadrise angles. This premium 350-watt mid-band CHIRP transducer provides superior fish detection, precise structure definition, and accurate depth readings down to 1,200 feet in freshwater and 800 feet in saltwater.
The 20-degree tilt configuration is precisely designed for vessels with hull deadrise angles from 16 to 24 degrees, ensuring optimal sonar beam orientation perpendicular to the water surface for maximum performance. Combined with durable bronze construction and flush-mount thru-hull design, this transducer delivers professional-grade sonar capabilities while maintaining the hydrodynamic efficiency critical for high-speed offshore vessels.
Advanced CHIRP Sonar Technology
350-Watt Mid-Band CHIRP
High-definition mid-band CHIRP sonar operates across 85-165 kHz frequency range, providing exceptional target separation and crystal-clear fish arches for superior underwater visibility in deep water applications.
20-Degree High Deadrise Optimization
Precisely angled for hull deadrise angles of 16-24 degrees, perfect for offshore sport fishing boats, express cruisers, and high-performance vessels with aggressive V-hull designs.
Premium Bronze Construction
Durable bronze housing and stem provide superior corrosion resistance and flush-mount installation for minimal drag, essential for maintaining performance at high speeds.
Temperature-Enhanced Fish Finding
Combines high-performance depth measurement with fast-response water temperature sensing for comprehensive thermal monitoring and fish location strategies.
Detailed Technical Specifications
| Model Number: | GT12M-THF (010-02867-02) |
| Power Output: | 350 watts |
| Frequency Range: | 85-165 kHz (Mid-Band CHIRP) |
| Beamwidth: | 16-24 degrees |
| Maximum Depth: | 1,200 ft freshwater / 800 ft saltwater |
| Housing Material: | Bronze with anti-corrosion treatment |
| Installation Type: | Thru-hull flush mount |
| Tilt Angle: | 20 degrees |
| Supported Deadrise: | 16-24 degrees hull deadrise |
| Cable Length: | 50 feet |
| Connector: | 8-pin transducer connector |
| Temperature Sensor: | Fast-response thermistor |
| Hull Compatibility: | Fiberglass, composite, wood |
High Deadrise Hull Optimization
Why 20-Degree Tilt is Critical
High-performance boats with aggressive V-hull deadrise angles require precise transducer tilt to maintain optimal sonar beam orientation. The 20-degree tilt ensures the sonar beam remains perpendicular to the water surface, maximizing performance and eliminating beam angle distortion that could compromise fish detection and depth accuracy.
Ideal Vessel Types
16-24 Degree Deadrise Vessels
- Offshore sport fishing boats
- Express cruisers and yachts
- Tournament fishing boats
- High-speed center consoles
- Performance walkaround boats
- Deep-V hulls designed for rough water
Performance Advantages
- Optimal beam penetration at high deadrise angles
- Maximum sonar sensitivity and resolution
- Enhanced bottom tracking in deep water
- Superior fish arch definition
- Reduced noise and interference
- Consistent performance at speed
Superior Deep Water Performance
Exceptional Fish Detection
Mid-band CHIRP technology combined with 350-watt power provides superior fish detection capabilities in deep offshore waters. Clear distinction between baitfish schools and target species even at maximum depth ranges.
Structure Definition Excellence
High-resolution sonar performance reveals detailed bottom structure, ledges, drop-offs, and habitat features critical for locating fish in deep water offshore environments.
Thermal Layer Detection
Advanced temperature sensing capabilities help identify thermoclines, temperature breaks, and thermal fronts that concentrate baitfish and predator species in offshore waters.
High-Speed Performance
Flush-mount design and proper beam angle maintain sonar performance even at the high speeds typical of offshore fishing and cruising applications.
Offshore Marine Applications
Deep Water Sport Fishing
Exceptional performance for offshore fishing targeting pelagic species. Superior depth capability and fish detection for successful deep water angling expeditions.
Tournament Fishing
Professional-grade performance for competitive fishing. Advanced target separation and structure definition provide the edge needed for tournament success in challenging waters.
High-Speed Cruising
Reliable depth measurement and navigation assistance for fast cruising boats. Maintains performance at high speeds typical of express cruisers and performance yachts.
Commercial Charter Operations
Dependable performance for charter boat operators requiring professional fish-finding capabilities and navigation safety in offshore environments.
Professional Installation for High Deadrise Hulls
Critical Hull Assessment
- Deadrise Verification: Ensure hull deadrise is 16-24 degrees at transducer location
- Hull Materials: Compatible with fiberglass, composite, and wood construction
- Installation Method: Thru-hull flush mounting for optimal hydrodynamics
- Location Planning: Consider high-speed performance and cavitation avoidance
Installation Components
- GT12M-THF transducer with 20-degree tilt bronze housing
- Jam nut for secure mounting
- Sealing washer for watertight installation
- Complete installation documentation
- 50-foot marine-grade cable with 8-pin connector
High-Performance Installation Considerations
- Precise deadrise angle measurement at installation point
- Optimal location for high-speed performance
- Cable routing protection from engine vibration
- Professional installation strongly recommended for performance boats
Garmin Auto-ID Technology
Intelligent System Recognition
Garmin's advanced auto-identification technology instantly recognizes the GT12M-THF transducer, automatically configuring optimal settings for mid-band CHIRP performance, power levels, and display parameters without manual setup.
Professional Configuration Benefits
- Automatic frequency optimization
- Proper power level configuration
- Correct depth and temperature calibration
- Enhanced target separation settings
- Optimal display presentation
- Eliminates configuration errors
Premium Chartplotter Compatibility
The GT12M-THF with 20-degree tilt is compatible with Garmin's advanced chartplotters and fishfinders designed for serious offshore applications:
Compatible Professional Garmin Units
- GPSMAP 8000/8200/8400/8600 series
- GPSMAP 7400/7600 series
- ECHOMAP Ultra series
- ECHOMAP UHD series
- Advanced fishfinder combos with CHIRP support
- Units supporting mid-band CHIRP frequencies (85-165 kHz)
- Professional chartplotters with networking capability
Professional Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Garmin's marine electronics ecosystem for comprehensive navigation, fish finding, and boat monitoring capabilities.
Maintenance for High-Performance Applications
Robust Construction Benefits
- Bronze housing withstands high-speed water flow
- Corrosion-resistant materials for offshore environments
- Sealed construction prevents water intrusion
- No moving parts for maximum reliability
- Temperature sensor maintains accuracy over time
High-Performance Maintenance
- Regular inspection after high-speed operation
- Monitor for cavitation damage at installation site
- Clean transducer face to maintain sonar performance
- Check thru-hull seal integrity in rough water conditions
- Annual inspection of cable connections and routing
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I determine if my boat needs the 20-degree tilt version?
Measure your boat's hull deadrise angle at the planned transducer location. If your hull has a deadrise angle of 16-24 degrees, the 20-degree tilt version is optimal. Most offshore fishing boats and express cruisers fall in this range.
Will this transducer perform well at high speeds?
Yes, the flush-mount bronze design and proper tilt angle maintain sonar performance at high speeds typical of offshore boats. However, extreme speeds may require careful installation location selection to avoid cavitation.
What's the advantage of the 20-degree tilt over other angles?
The 20-degree tilt ensures the sonar beam remains perpendicular to the water surface on high deadrise hulls, maximizing sonar sensitivity, accuracy, and fish detection capabilities. Incorrect tilt angles result in poor performance.
Can this transducer handle rough offshore conditions?
Absolutely. The bronze construction and marine-grade design are specifically engineered for harsh offshore environments. The robust housing withstands high-speed operation and rough sea conditions.
Does the temperature sensor work effectively in deep water?
Yes, the fast-response temperature sensor provides accurate readings at all operating depths, helping identify thermoclines and temperature breaks that are critical for offshore fishing success.
Is professional installation required for this transducer?
Professional installation is strongly recommended, especially for high-performance boats. Proper installation ensures optimal sonar beam angle, prevents water intrusion, and maintains boat performance at speed.
Dominate offshore fishing with the Garmin GT12M-THF Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer with 20-degree tilt. This precision-engineered transducer delivers professional-grade mid-band CHIRP performance optimized for high deadrise hulls, ensuring you have the superior underwater visibility and temperature monitoring needed for successful deep water fishing and high-speed navigation.