I think maybe your right, having the peace of mind of knowing no holes below water line. I checked out the ones at cabela's. The Pro (with the mounting holes above water line) is too wide for my application. I need the 4" size, turned verticle (unless I remove one of the stern handles - the right place lines up with the handle.) The horizontal 4'' turned verticle would leave me with a mounting hole right where the transducer needs to go. Hmmmmm.

I found another one 5.5" wide x 18" verticle, but it's still too wide to slide through handle without cutting it down.

I'm going shopping. I'll bet ya I can come up with something that will fit.
Thanks again.