Transducer Placement 1985 charger

I purchased a Garmin Striker 7sv down imaging and side imaging unit with $ that Santa brought, and I am getting ready to install it in my 1985 Charger Bass Boat. This is my first time to attempt this so I would like advice from more experienced persons about where I should place my transducer. Yes, I have read the install manual and done numerous searches and watched videos, but I haven't found a transom that looks like mine and the install instructions are very general. I would like to do this right the first time, so that my transom does not look like swiss cheese and get an install that functions correctly. My research suggests that I should place it on the step if I want coverage on plane (and it may improve my side imaging pictures) but this exposes my transducer to possible damage. Or I could place it above the step, protect the transducer more, but likely lose coverage when I'm on plane. What would you do? Where would you put it? I have attached some pictures for your viewing pleasure: first is the entire transom, second is a close up of the step area, and third is a gratuitous picture of the boat. Thanks in advance for your help!Attachment 257848Attachment 257849Attachment 257850

The lower step is the only part of your hull that would get the xducer in water when your boat is up on plane ...

But, like you said, this puts the xducer low enough for possible damage from something in the water ...

I'm not sure if the Striker can split the 2d off for a shoot thru 2d for high speed depth readings ...

You can post that question here ...
Garmin Sonar/GPS

Rickie