Mounting new Helix 9 at the bow

Help. I am installing my Helix just like my last unit. I mounted the transducer to the trolling motor (Terrova). I had the cable running down the channel on the shaft and siliconed over. With my Helix I set it up exactly the same. I did notice that the cable was thicker but forged ahead assuming that there certainly would be that much clearance. Nope. I worked the trolling motor back through the knuckle. It took everything I could muster to slide it all the way on but knew I couldn't run it that way. It was just as hard getting it back off.

I completely cleaned up the silicone and ran the shaft back through with the cable on the outside. Got everything back to square one. It just looks like I'm really going to have watch that cable stowing and deploying that trolling motor.  I know I've seen videos of people that have done it without siliconing that cable in. Any assistance would be appreciated.