Stump jumper is a great way to protect the ss transducer. Used them on Truman lake on lowrance and hummingbird. Works great for those underwater trees

i mounted the plastic mounting board to my boat with apoxy only. Never screwed/bolted it on. Has lasted 3 years so far. Highly recommend the plastic them as things change no more holes in boat.

Looking at at units remember cost of transducer. I need a new lowrance structures an transducer (mine has failed I think). New ones cost 300.

Biggest best unit you can almost afford is my advise also. Not any cheaper to upgrade later.