Can anyone tell me if the transponder for this unit can be mounted in the bilge rather than as the base of the transom? I've had it for about three years, but the transponder won't stay seated in the bracket and keep swinging up when I get on plane giving me a false or worse, no reading at all. I bought a replacement bracket for it, but that didn't help. I tried zip tying it in place, but the zip tie didn't hold. The assume unit is made to swing away in case of contact with bottom, stump, heavy cover etc, but this is happening in open water so I can solve the issue by mounting it inside the bilge IF it will still operate properly.

I should note that it is not mounted UNDER the transom rather above the bottom of the hull on the transom even though it may look like it's below the hull.

You have the 698ci HD SI Combo.

It is a Side Imaging transducer, you can't get Side Imaging with the bottom of the transducer bonded to the inside of the hull.

Your problem is overtightening the plastic base to the hull and that either distorts it or breaks it.

Get the metal version to replace it and it won't release unless you crash into stuff.

https://humminbird.johnsonoutdoors....-transom-impact-release-mounting-bracket

Thank for the info, that's kinda what I assumed. I did not know they made a metal bracket, but you can bet your lower unit I'll be ordering one today!

Loctite may be an option to.