I have read where one guy did the duct seal/plumbers putty with DI and he stated there was some degrading of the signal but DI was still functional. I don't remember him mentioning SI. I would guess it would depend on the install and if you got somewhat lucky on ducer placement over a "thin" spot in the hull which might help on the signal return. Take some screen shots before and after and post 'em.
GO BIG ORANGE !
I meant to behave, but there were just way too many other options available at the time.