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Guts, funny you brought a thru-hull into the thread...I almost did that but the tech at Garmin told me to try the transom mount first because they are impoved. She was right...99% of the time I can read bottom contour in excess of 30 knots. Regarding the modifications comments, Binkie's boat looks great and I agree with all who say it's your boat, whatever feels good is OK. I'm about to replace my rub-rail and am going with a larger and more practical commercial type. It's not "stock" but neither is NASCAR, their technology is better and safer. Besides, has anyone looked at a new Montauk 17...for over $30K one would think they could at least put a splinter of teak on it...the backrest over the moulded plastic RPS is nothing more than a bent pipe...autrocious! Binkie's boat is a Mona Lisa in compaison. The only thing I did that I don't like is my bimini support...gonna lay it down.