Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP No Connector Review
Introduction
The Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector is a premium thru-hull transducer that delivers exceptional sonar performance for serious anglers, offshore professionals, and marine enthusiasts. Featuring a 20-degree tilted element and high-wide CHIRP capabilities, this model is designed for deep-V hulls and offers a broad coverage angle with detailed fish arches and bottom imaging. The no-connector configuration allows for flexible integration into various onboard setups, especially custom marine electronics systems.
This high-performance 1kW CHIRP transducer supports wide beamwidth coverage and higher target resolution, making it ideal for boats operating in mixed-depth environments. From identifying bait schools to analyzing seabed contours, the SS175C HW is built to elevate your on-water experience.
Overview / What Is Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP
The Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector is a high-frequency, wide-beam sonar transducer engineered for performance in challenging fishing and navigation scenarios. The “HW” stands for High Wide, offering a frequency range of 150–250 kHz with a fixed 25° beamwidth—unmatched for covering more water column and detecting fish across a broad zone. Its 20-degree tilt compensates for hull deadrise, ensuring the signal transmits directly downward for maximum accuracy.
This transducer lacks a factory-installed connector, giving boat builders and advanced installers more customization options. It’s particularly useful in installations where routing through tight bulkheads or conduit systems would be difficult with standard connectors. The bronze housing ensures durability in saltwater environments, and the CHIRP capabilities deliver precise returns, ideal for discriminating between closely grouped targets.
Benefits of High Wide CHIRP Technology
High Wide (HW) CHIRP transducers like the Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector are designed to provide broader coverage and greater resolution in the upper part of the water column. The wider beam lets anglers view more area under and around the boat, ideal for tracking fast-moving pelagic fish, schools of baitfish, or midwater column species.
With a 150–250 kHz frequency range and a 25° fixed beam, you can confidently explore shallower zones without losing detail or target separation. High Wide CHIRP also enables faster returns with cleaner images, making your sonar interface easier to interpret in real time. This is especially beneficial when trolling, casting near structures, or fishing over drop-offs.
Why Choose No Connector Configuration?
While most transducers come with pre-attached connectors for plug-and-play integration, the Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector caters to custom wiring needs. This variant is beneficial for installations requiring specific pinouts, longer cable runs, or routing through conduit systems where factory connectors won’t fit.
It allows the user to install their preferred connector type (such as Garmin, Raymarine, Furuno, or Simrad) or hardwire directly into a sonar module. This added flexibility makes it ideal for custom boat builds, refits, or integration into non-standard MFD systems.
Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance of your Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector is essential for ensuring peak sonar performance and long-term durability. Follow these maintenance tips to keep your transducer operating like new:
- Clean Regularly: Use mild soap and water with a non-abrasive cloth to remove marine growth and salt deposits.
- Inspect Cable Runs: Since this version has no connector, verify that your spliced connections are properly sealed with heat shrink tubing and marine-grade adhesive.
- Check Mounting Seal: Ensure the bronze housing is still sealed tightly against the hull and hasn’t developed leaks or corrosion around the mounting hole.
- Seasonal Inspections: During haul-out or drydock periods, inspect the transducer face for dings, cracks, or barnacle build-up that could distort sonar readings.
Proper upkeep ensures your transducer operates at full potential during every trip, whether you’re navigating or chasing fish.
Expert Advice and Pro Recommendations
The Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector is recommended for professional anglers, offshore captains, and custom marine builders who need a transducer that delivers wide-angle coverage with high-frequency clarity. The no-connector option adds serious flexibility during the rigging phase, letting installers tailor their setup to their exact electronic system requirements.
If you’re equipping a new sportfisher, catamaran, or high-performance center console with custom electronics, this model is the ideal solution. For top sonar performance and broader visibility of the water column, few models compare. Buy now: Airmar SS175C-20-HW 20d Tilt High Wide CHIRP with No Connector and use discount code WELCOME5 to get 5% off.
Installation Tips and Wiring Best Practices
Installing a transducer without a factory connector, like the Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector, requires attention to detail. Here’s how to do it right:
- Route the cable carefully to avoid sharp bends or chafing points.
- Splice your chosen connector using color-matched marine-grade heat shrink connectors.
- Apply adhesive-lined shrink tubing for watertight seals.
- Secure cable with nylon clamps and avoid running it near power wires to prevent interference.
Always test continuity before sealing the splice and power up your fishfinder to confirm clean signal transmission. Consider consulting a certified NMEA installer if unsure.
Performance Comparison with Traditional CHIRP Models
When compared to standard CHIRP transducers, the Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector offers enhanced beamwidth and frequency response. Traditional high CHIRP models often offer beam angles below 15°, while the SS175C HW offers a 25° beam angle—almost doubling the coverage.
This wide cone makes it easier to track bait balls, fish schools, and structure while trolling or drifting. It’s particularly effective in water depths between 0–600 feet, where high resolution and broad coverage are crucial. It’s also compatible with top-tier MFDs and sonar modules from Garmin, Raymarine, Simrad, and Furuno via custom integration.
Learn more about sonar technology and high-frequency marine performance at Yamaha Outboards.
Detailed FAQ Section
What boats benefit most from Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector?
This transducer is best suited for deep-V hull boats, including sportfishers, large center consoles, and offshore catamarans with a deadrise between 16° and 24°. These vessels benefit from the 20° tilt, ensuring the transducer face remains perpendicular to the waterline. This model is especially valuable for custom builds or refits where the installer wants flexibility in choosing the connector and system integration. It’s also perfect for pros who want wide sonar coverage and high-frequency resolution for midwater species.
What are the advantages of having no connector on a transducer?
Going connector-free means you can route the cable through tighter areas or conduits without being restricted by the connector’s size. It also allows direct hardwiring to sonar modules or installing custom-brand connectors that match your existing electronics. This flexibility is crucial for marine technicians and DIY enthusiasts who want precise control over their wiring architecture. It also reduces the risk of connector corrosion in harsh saltwater environments since the splice can be protected internally.
How to maintain Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP for longevity?
To maintain peak performance, clean the transducer regularly using a soft brush and marine-safe soap. Avoid metal tools that can scratch the face. Check the hull seal yearly and ensure any cable splices are protected from water intrusion using adhesive heat shrink tubing. It’s also smart to run a system diagnostic periodically on your fishfinder to ensure the signal remains strong and stable. Storage out of water when possible during offseason also extends life expectancy.
Is the Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP suitable for shallow and deep water?
Yes, the transducer is optimized for a range of depths from 0 to over 600 feet. The High Wide frequency range is ideal for detecting fish and structure in the top and midwater column, which is where most coastal and pelagic species are located. While it may not reach ultra-deep trench depths like low CHIRP transducers, it’s far more effective in detail-rich environments such as reefs, drop-offs, and schooling zones. This makes it a great all-around option for versatile anglers.
How does this model compare to other CHIRP options?
The Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector stands out due to its wide beam angle and customizable install. Compared to narrower CHIRP units, it delivers more visible coverage beneath the boat. It’s ideal for anglers who want to monitor a wider area and track moving schools of fish with better detail. It also integrates with a broader range of systems thanks to the no-connector flexibility, making it a favorite for installers working on multi-brand electronics packages.
Conclusion
The Airmar SS175C 20d HW CHIRP with No Connector is a standout performer in the world of marine electronics. Its wide beamwidth, high-frequency CHIRP capabilities, and installation flexibility make it a top choice for pros and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re chasing yellowfin tuna or scanning reef ledges, this transducer delivers the sonar clarity and coverage you need. With a durable bronze housing and long-term value, it’s a smart investment for any serious boater.
Special Offer
WELCOME5 – Get 5% off storewide at allboatsupplies.com
🚀 Instant Assistance: Need help selecting the right product? Drop your contact in the chatbox at the bottom right corner, and our expert team will reply within 30 minutes with the best product suggestion for your boat — including a ready-to-use checkout link. We’re fast, knowledgeable, and always here for your boating needs!
No more guesswork — just message us and get a personalized checkout link for your antifouling system, fast!
Explore Our Best-Selling Ultrasonic Antifouling Products:
Buy now
Airmar SS175C-20-HW 20d Tilt High Wide CHIRP with No Connector
Let us handle the hassle — expert support, quick replies, and smooth checkout. Your boat deserves the best.