Was able to find time after work to install the new Lowrance. I forgot how much trouble I had getting the nut onto the thru-hull grommet behind the seat. Next time I will hire a contortionist because my arm is just short enough that finishing this required several bouts of cussing that would make a sailor blush. Sorry Hobie design team...I may have focused several of those profane statements in your general direction!
When I unboxed the TotalScan, I was surprised how large it was, and thought that might be a problem mounted under the kayak. But once you have it mounted to the Hobie LR Total Scan plate and to the kayak, it hides nicely between the Mirage drive and the skegs hinge point. And where I was worried that it might rub on the unistrut if I were to pull it off the trailer, I was happy to find that it hangs down less than half the hight of the 3" PVC I used for the bunks.
A couple of people including Howie have noted I should use the 1.5" RAM ball mount and I wanted to prove them wrong, and keep my existing 1" ball mount, but the unit is heavier than it looks, and the 1" ball will hold it, but I don't trust it. I already ordered new RAM mount and quick release 1.5" ball, along with an H-Rail 1.5" Ram ball. Planning on moving my Elite 4 to my other kayak anyway, so nothing wasted there.
Here is a pictures of the unit mounted in my PA14....
This is a picture of the Transducer mounted to the dirty bottom of my kayak... I had planned on taking the time to fall clean my kayak, but that did not happen... I wanted to get out on the water more than I wanted a clean kayak.
This picture is supposed to show how much space there is between the TotalScan Transducer and the unistrut on my trailer. There is about 2 inches of clearance, which is more than I expected.
One other thing to note. With all the reading and research I did on this Lowrance Elite 7 Ti, I never came across the issue I had trying to use the unit hooked up to my 12v battery on my coffee table. The touch screen would not respond...I thought my unit was bad...but after posting a panicked message here and doing some research I found out what was going on. Lowrance has a nice explanation and simple fix for this in the video link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knlUP4ckLu8The only thing left to say is I cannot wait to get it on water and teach those bass who's boss! (Right after I figure out how this thing really works, so, maybe by spring)