What is your preference for bass fishing, and why?

Does shooting thru the hull loose 2D detail, and if so, how much?

I had a local guy here,TexBbq, take mine off the transom and mount it in the bilge for shoot thru. I could never read on plane with it on the transom and now it works great. I don't notice any loss of detail. I pick up temp off my LSS ducer on the transom now. If you don't have an LSS ducer you will need a temp probe for accurate temp. PM Mike (TexBbq) here and he can really help you out.

80/200 should be fine through most hulls

250 and higher frequencies, you want the transducer in the water.

I guess the temp would be a concern. If i decide to shoot thru hull, I'll likely get the probe.

I don't yet have an LSS. Maybe some day.

I'm not so much worried about reading bottom on plane. I can mount it in a recommended location that should still read at speed on this one.

My main issue with a transom mount is having a stepped transom (1997 Stratos 282FS) with the lowest step also being angled back. In the location it should be mounted, I'd have to fabricate some sort of plastic compound angled mounting block in order for the transducer to run straight skimming the water. Sternsaver or Sternmate are both too big of a footprint, not to mention, don't have the angle.

I guess either way whether the transducer is mounted on the transom or the temp probe, I'll have screw holes.

Just trying to weigh all options here before committing.

I appreciate everyone's input.