UPDATE:

I sent the head unit and the x-ducer in for evaluation and it appears there is no problem with the 2. There is a note on my repair tag indicating that the conditions I am describing are a known issue when the chart speed is at 2, which is where I was recording based on my travel speed of between 1-2 mph. They hope to address it in a software update at a later date. A note also indicated they tested the transducer and found no problems with it. They upgraded the software version, too.

Service from HB was lightning fast; they received the box on Tuesday and I had it back on Saturday, a 4 day turn-around including the shipping time back to me ! I wish they'd have sent back the original HB box with it, though.

I took it out for a short test today amongst the snow flurries and made numerous recordings, with chart speed of 1,2 and 3; 2 does seem to give me the best picture in real time. Same issue does show up in Humviewer so I guess it's just the nature of the beast. I'll just live with it on my little rowboat. Someday, I'll find a motorboat and stick it on there for a test run and see if there is a problem at higher speeds and chart speeds.

Come on spring, 2015!