Thanks for the replies so far Little Fish and Predator. I will perform the test you spoke of.
The Ducer was totally free of debris all day, and is mounted exactly to the specs in the installation manual- 1/8 in. below hull.

I am starting to think it may be a defective unit.
AK- when you read this, I bought it from the store you work at, what should I do?
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You know something bad is going to happen when you hear..."Hey, hold my beer and watch this"