To verify there are no problems with the HDOP, you could try wiring up a d-sub 9 pin connector to the unit and via a usb to 9 pin connector, record the NMEA 0183 GSA data string (or similar string containing HDOP etc) on a windows based terminal (eg putty or hyper term). you can then investigate various GNSS accuracy values. I presume from your earlier posts you have enabled the EGNOS SBAS. I have done this to my elite-7 and it recorded the strings with no problems. Will be comparing it against data from an external Lowrance point-1 antenna when I fit it on my next leave.
As you can see from my picture, I'm one of these 3-d seismic surveyors - a bit more equipment than 1 40m analogue streamer for us! Can go up to 20 x 8000m streamers at 100m separation.