Lowrance 7Ti total scan mounting

I just received my new Lowrance Elite 7Ti with the totalscan transducer for Brian at BBG Marine (it was a pleasure doing business with him and I will post a separate thread about). I also ordered a transducer mounting plate from BPS to avoid drilling unnecessary holes in the transom of the boat. I have several questions about mounting the plate and the transducer to it. The mounting plate comes with two mounting screws but I have read that you can mount it rock solid with just marine adhesive/sealant, specifically 3M 5200. Has anyone done this or can anyone confirm that this will work? Next, I assume the mounting plate is between 1 inch and 3/4 inch thick, making the screws that came with my unit to long, what screws should I purchase to mount the actual transducer to the plastic mounting plate? Specifically, wood screws, metal screws, self tapping etc., I'm just not sure how well the mounting plate material will accept and hold a screw......

I was going to fabricate and bend a piece of aluminum plate to mount the head unit on (my boat is a 1648 lowe, tiller steer), i was going to attach the plate to the gunnel rail and the rib just forward of the rear seat where i drive the boat from. Then I thought about a ram mount directly on the rear bench seat (there is plenty of room between the side of the boat and where my boat seat is if I used a ram mount). I've read the ram mount helps protect the unit from shock and vibration. Any thoughts?

I also posted this in the electronics forum.