Airmar Shorty P8 Owner'S Manual & Installation Instructions Download Page 3

3. Screw the cap nut several turns, then check that the arrow on 

the insert is still facing forward toward the bow. Continue to 
tighten the cap nut. 

Hand-tighten

 only. Do not over tighten.

4. Always attach the safety wire to prevent the insert from backing 

out in the unlikely event that the cap nut fails or is screwed on 
incorrectly. Attach the safety wire to one eye in the hull nut. 
Keeping the wire taut throughout, lead the wire in a 
counterclockwise direction and thread it through one eye in the 
cap nut. Twist the end securely to the wire.

Cable Routing & Connecting

CAUTION

: If your sensor came with a connector, do not remove it 

to ease cable routing. If the cable must be cut and spliced, use 

Airmar’s splash-proof Junction Box No. 33-035 and follow the 

instructions provided. Removing the waterproof connector or 

cutting the cable, except when using a watertight junction box, will 

void the sensor’s warranty.

1. Route the cable to the instrument, being careful not to tear the 

cable jacket when passing it through the bulkhead(s) and other 
parts of the boat. Use grommets to prevent chafing. To reduce 
electrical interference, separate the transducer cable from other 
electrical wiring and the engine. Coil any excess cable and 
secure it in place with cable ties to prevent damage.

2. Refer to the instrument owner’s manual to connect the 

transducer to the instrument.

Checking for Leaks

When the boat is placed in the water, 

immediately

 check around 

the transducer for leaks. Note that very small leaks may not be 
readily observed. Do not to leave the boat in the water for more 
than 3 hours before checking it again. If there is a small leak, 
there may be considerable bilge water accumulation after 24 
hours. If a leak is observed, repeat “Bedding” and “Installing” 

immediately

 (page 2).

Installation in a Cored Fiberglass Hull

The core (wood or foam) must be cut and sealed carefully. The 
core must be protected from water seepage, and the hull must be 
reinforced to prevent it from crushing under the hull nut allowing 
the housing to become loose.

CAUTION

: Completely seal the hull to prevent water seepage into 

the core.

1. Drill a 3mm or 1/8" pilot hole from inside the hull. If there is a rib, 

strut, or other hull irregularity near the selected mounting location, 
drill from the outside. If the hole is drilled in the wrong location, drill 
a second hole in a better location. Apply masking tape to the 
outside of the hull over the incorrect hole and fill it with epoxy.

2. Using a 51mm or 2" hole saw, cut a hole from outside the hull 

through the 

outer 

skin only (Figure 4).

3

Figure 2. Bedding and installing—

low profile models shown

 

P7

P8

hul

l

hull nu

t

hull

safety wire

cap nut

hull nut

marine sealant on

insert

housing

housing

arrow

arrow

notch

washer

flange and side wall 

large

O-ring

detail

key

small

O-ring

Figure 3. Retractable insert

notch

(some installations)

Figure 4. Preparing a cored fiberglass hull 

inner skin

core

outer skin

solid or hollow cylinder

pour in 

casting

epoxy

9-12 mm

(3/8-1/2")

larger than the 

hole through the

hull’s outer skin

hull thickness

Copyright © 2005 Airmar Technology Corp.

Copyright © 2004 Airmar Technology Corp.

Copyright © 2004 Airmar Technology Corp.

flange

flange

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