Raymarine Smart Transducer Review – Powerful or Problematic?

Raymarine E70667 DST810 Gen2 Airmar Smart Transducer Plastic Thru Hull for Boats & Marine Engines

Introduction

The Raymarine E70667 DST810 Gen2 Airmar Smart Transducer Plastic Thru Hull for Boats & Marine Engines is a cutting-edge marine navigation sensor designed to deliver depth, speed, and temperature data directly to your vessel’s network. As part of the new wave of NMEA 2000-compatible smart sensors, this device integrates seamlessly with Raymarine MFDs and many other marine electronics systems.

Whether you’re a weekend fisherman, bluewater cruiser, or commercial vessel operator, choosing the right transducer is essential. In this blog, we’ll explore the Raymarine Smart Transducer in-depth — features, installation, advantages, maintenance, and more. You’ll discover if it’s truly the best marine sensor for your vessel, or if it falls short of expectations.

Overview / What Is Raymarine Smart Transducer

The Raymarine Smart Transducer is part of Airmar’s DST810 Gen2 lineup, combining three sensors (Depth, Speed, Temperature) in a single plastic thru-hull housing. Its key advantage is the built-in Attitude Sensor and integrated Bluetooth technology for wireless calibration via the Airmar CAST app. The transducer transmits NMEA 2000 data, making it plug-and-play compatible with Raymarine and other networked marine systems.

Unlike analog transducers that require an intermediary sounder module, this smart transducer connects directly to your network backbone, saving space, reducing wiring complexity, and enhancing accuracy.

Top Features of Raymarine Smart Transducer

Let’s dive into the core features that make the Raymarine Smart Transducer a game-changer for modern marine navigation:

• Integrated Depth, Speed, Temperature: A single unit delivers critical navigation data.
• NMEA 2000 Compatibility: Seamless integration with Raymarine Axiom, Element, and other MFDs.
• Bluetooth Configuration: Calibrate and configure through the Airmar CAST app from your smartphone.
• Enhanced Accuracy: Gen2 enhancements include pitch, roll, and heel compensation for stable readings.
• Plastic Thru-Hull Design: Corrosion-resistant and suitable for fiberglass hulls.
• Self-Cleaning Paddlewheel: Minimizes fouling and maintenance.

These features make it ideal for boaters who want real-time, reliable data with minimal setup complexity. It’s especially useful for sailboats where accuracy and wind compensation are critical.

How to Install Raymarine Smart Transducer

Installing the Raymarine Smart Transducer is a straightforward process, but precision is key. Here’s how:

1. Select Placement: Choose a location where the transducer has clear water flow — avoid hull steps, intakes, or turbulence zones.
2. Drill the Hole: Use a proper hole saw size (usually 2″) and install the plastic housing with marine-grade sealant.
3. Connect to NMEA 2000: Plug the connector into your backbone T-connector.
4. Pair with App: Use Bluetooth to connect the sensor to the CAST app and perform calibration.

Want a deeper dive into installation or want to compare setup against analog options? Visit Yamaha Outboards for professional-grade marine installation guides and technical details.

Benefits of Using Raymarine Smart Transducer in Your Boat

Why is this specific unit becoming a top pick among captains, racers, and leisure cruisers alike?

• Reduced Hardware Clutter: No black box needed. All processing is done within the unit.
• Greater Flexibility: Works across multiple brands — not just Raymarine.
• Wireless Tuning: Use the Airmar CAST app to zero in your calibration — no diving into menus on your MFD.
• Smart Diagnostics: Real-time diagnostics help troubleshoot signal or sensor issues without dismantling equipment.

This product effectively replaces three instruments (depth, speed, temp) with one — saving space, time, and cost in the long run.

Maintenance Tips

To ensure the longevity and accuracy of your Raymarine Smart Transducer, follow these maintenance best practices:

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe the paddlewheel and lens gently with a soft cloth or marine cleaner to prevent fouling.
• Use Dummy Plug: If you’re hauling the boat for long-term storage, remove the sensor and insert the supplied blanking plug.
• App Calibration: Recalibrate via Bluetooth seasonally to ensure precise speed and angle data.
• Inspect Seals: Periodically check for leaks around the thru-hull fitting, especially after impact or hard grounding.

Proper maintenance reduces the chances of signal distortion, which is especially important in performance sailing or tight channel navigation.

Expert Advice and Pro Recommendations

As professionals in the marine electronics industry, we confidently recommend the Raymarine E70667 DST810 Gen2 Airmar Smart Transducer Plastic Thru Hull to boaters seeking a high-tech, integrated, and space-saving transducer option.

Pro Tip: Use this transducer with a multifunction display (MFD) that supports real-time overlays, such as Raymarine Axiom+ or Element HV series. You’ll unlock the sensor’s full capabilities including logging, graphs, and alerts.

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Detailed FAQ Section

What is the Raymarine Smart Transducer and how does it work?

The Raymarine Smart Transducer, specifically the DST810 Gen2 model, is a thru-hull marine sensor that combines three key metrics — depth, speed, and temperature — in a single compact unit. What makes it “smart” is the integrated NMEA 2000 interface and Bluetooth capability. This allows the sensor to communicate data directly to your vessel’s network and be configured wirelessly using a mobile app. Internally, the sensor contains microprocessors and motion-sensing gyros that ensure accurate readings even in rough seas.

How do I calibrate the Raymarine Smart Transducer?

Calibration of the Raymarine DST810 is simple with the Airmar CAST app, available on both iOS and Android. After installing the transducer and connecting it to your NMEA 2000 network, launch the app, pair it via Bluetooth, and follow the guided steps to calibrate speed and depth. You can also fine-tune roll, pitch, and heel readings to match your boat’s configuration. This is especially helpful for racers or sailboats that operate at varying heel angles.

Is the Raymarine Smart Transducer compatible with non-Raymarine systems?

Yes, the DST810 Gen2 is NMEA 2000-certified, making it compatible with many other marine electronics brands such as Garmin, Simrad, B&G, and Lowrance. This universal standardization ensures that boaters can swap or upgrade their display units without replacing the transducer. However, for advanced features like overlay diagnostics and in-app integration, using it with Raymarine MFDs offers the smoothest experience.

How durable is the Raymarine Smart Transducer?

The sensor is built with a rugged plastic housing that is corrosion-resistant and optimized for fiberglass hulls. The self-cleaning paddlewheel minimizes biofouling, while the internal electronics are sealed against water intrusion. As a thru-hull unit, it is meant to withstand pressure, water velocity, and long-term immersion. With basic maintenance, most units last 5–10 years without performance degradation. However, seasonal haul-outs and inspections are still recommended to ensure long-term reliability.

What are the costs involved in installing a Raymarine Smart Transducer?

The retail cost of the DST810 Gen2 ranges from $250 to $350 depending on supplier. Installation by a professional may cost an additional $150–$300 depending on your hull design and yard labor rates. DIY installation is possible for skilled boaters with the right tools. Don’t forget to factor in NMEA 2000 cables or T-connectors if your network isn’t already set up. Overall, it’s a cost-effective investment considering it replaces three separate instruments.

Conclusion

The Raymarine Smart Transducer (DST810 Gen2) is one of the most intelligent, versatile, and user-friendly sensors in the marine market today. From high-precision measurements to easy smartphone calibration, it offers unprecedented convenience and accuracy. Whether you’re installing your first sensor or upgrading from older tech, this transducer delivers real value, performance, and peace of mind.

Looking for an all-in-one solution that simplifies your boat’s electronics while improving navigation performance? The Raymarine DST810 is a top contender — especially when paired with a Raymarine MFD or NMEA 2000 network. Buy now and take advantage of our limited-time discount!

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