Transducer Location in funky curved step

[Hiteck22]

I have a '97 Procraft 17FS fish and ski and I'm finally replacing the old existing F.F. with a new one. The bottom step on the transom is curved and the existing transducer was screwed to the transom there, I'm assuming to be near the on-plane waterline, but it ***** the thing at like a 30 degree angle from straight and also positions it right at the edge of the lowest step. It never worked well at any speed, assuming this poor mounting location was the cause. So I was thinking of mounting the transducer off to the right more and screwing into the step surface that is directly above where the transducer will exist. It is away from the edges of the steps on the hull surface, right of the motor by roughly a foot, and could point straight back unlike the old transducer. I would mount a transducer board in the location that I am considering so that I can adjust as necessary, but also to space it down an inch to get the transducer half way below the bottom of the boat so that it can skim. I am curious if anyone sees any major flaws to this plan that I am overlooking that would have a major negative impact on transducer performance, or boat safety I suppose . Another question I have is I have no idea how much of the boat touches water when planing. I am thinking it can't just be the lower step surface and where I am considering mounting the transducer will be at or close to the water line on plane. Any input anyone has before I do this would be greatly appreciated.

 

old transducer location in a bad spot, it is angled and right at the right edge of the lower step.

Sorry I cant figure out how to shrink the images down small enough to include 7 or 8 of them. I posted the images to dropbox and below are the links to the images with a description of each image in the link name.

 

Not using the same location with new transducer

Would like to install here screwed up into the top surface above the transducer

It would be right of the lowest step edge by 6-8 inches and right of the motor by about a foot

Will install HDPE transducer board where middle finger is to get transducer spaced down properly to bottom of boat

Full transom view. Thoughts?