My Skinny Water Tunnel Boat 2019 

I'll BE DRONED....Thanks!! That sounds like a reel good time!! I used to put in at Maidens & fish all the way to Riverside drive in Richmond. I spent most of my time between the Nickel Bridge & the Seaboard Coastline RR bridge about 3 miles up river & at Willow Oaks CC on Forest Hills Ave....Really enjoyed those HS days. On another note I see DJI has discontinued the Phantom series....It's Mavic from now on!!

@@WesLovelace No Phantom V coming? Daggonit! Crazy Wes used to wade below the "Nickel" bridge, with what we could carry in our pockets and tied around our necks, rods in hand, stepping on slippery rocks, stepping in holes, chasing smallies! Caught nice fish there too! We could have crossed paths, crazy!!

BBQ PIT DOG....Thanks!! I've had this critter for 25 years now & I'd be lost if I didn't have it because it gets me to places most people don't or won't go....Glad you could stop by!!

Urban Fisherman....Thanks!! This boat has given me the ability to catch a lot of fish over the years with a minimal of expense....I've really enjoyed it!!

Viviana Bunea.....Thanks!! It's a great 2 person craft & it gets me to any place I want to go in skinny water!!

Hank Pretz Kayak Fishing....Thanks!! I've now had this boat for 25 years with one motor upgrade...The motor has been problem free... just routine maintenance...The tunnel has been a different story....The Rivets & the welded tunnel have been a royal PITA....Last year I finally stripped it done & took it to a welder & he was able to correct the flaws with a lot of Extra Aluminum in the right places!!

True North Angler....Thanks!! I've had this critter for 25 years now & I've got everything I need to fish the back country like I do....So far it's been quite a ride....Have a great weekend!!

Osprey Momma.....Thanks!! I did a lot of looking & brain storming when I outfitted the small boat & was a work in progress for many years but when I finished all the items that I might need during any trip has been placed within easy reach....Appreciate you taking an interest in the build.....Enjoy your week!!

Life-Health-Relax....Thanks!!This is one of the 2 boats that get me on & off the water with no problems....Appreciate the support & have a good weekend!!

Casual Carolina Fishing....Thanks Bill!! It's knot to often that I add something because the critter just doesn't need anything else & I hate clutter when it comes to treble hooks & I use a lot of them!! But 4 skinny water short of having a custom platform which I have considered this critter has performed for 25 years now & I'm Xpecting 25 more....LOL!!

Kayaking_Kennedy....Thanks!! With 25 years of water under the boat it would be hard to replace because it does everything it was designed to do & more in some instances!!

Fishing/Cooking with Mike Chavez....Thanks!! This boat is now 25 years old & it fits like a glove....It would be hard to replace it without going to a custom builder....Glad you stopped by!!

floridafishhunter.....Thanks!! I've had this combo for a long time & it's gotten me to places & fish that I couldn't get to in most circumstances!! There a lot of tunnels on the market thart will get you around in skinny water!!

Super MomGo.....Thanks!! It gets the job done up north in the Refuge....Enjoy your weekend!!

outdoor adventures and traveling....Thanks!! I spent a lot of time & looking for things to add....I'm still looking!!

skunked again....Thanks!! Well I couldn't have gotten the stability without the extendable camera staff & the Go Pro Hero 7 Black....The 3 Go Pro's have added better quality to video production along with my editing software!! Up here if you don't have the ability to run in the skinny you can experience serious damage both to the lower unit & the hull.....I've seen people lose both to the lack of knowledge when it comes to the bottom structure!!

MooMoo Outdoors....Thanks!! I'm always looking for ways to improve or add on stuff that will be of use during my trips.....There are always gadgets out there that I can alter to suit my needs!!

Heather Thee Owl Queen.....Thanks!! Every boat that I've ever had I done most of the customizing.....I'm so use to having certain items at arms reach to cover any situation when I'm on the water....Glad you could stop by!!

but poeun.....Thanks!! This is my Inshore boat here on the Gulf....It goes anywhere in the Refuge ....It's the perfect back country boat 4 my style of fishing!!

BankFish Vince.....Thanks!! It has given me countless hours of recreation over the years & I hope it's one of those play toys that will continue to put a smile on my face....Glade you could stop by Vince!!

Light 'em Up Outdoors.....Thanks!! When it came to outfitting my boats I spent a lot of time looking at other peoples boats , marine catalogs & stores before deciding what I could buy & re-fabricate!! The back hatch was one of those items that I found at a boat store and liked the color & smoked glass & it happened to fit perfectly.....All I had to do was cut a hole which I have done quite a lot of over the years....LOL!!

@@WesLovelace haha it doesn't matter how you became a pro at putting holes in things when it turns out like that! It was time well spent "researching" it sounds like! It turned out great!

Joylandz travel...Thanks!! My Tunnel Boat allows me access to the Wildlife Refuge that is only accessible by water & has some great multi species fishing!!

J Allred....Thanks!! I did a lot of brain storming & asked myself many times......What If!! When I first saw your channel you were putting a larger rear hatch to accommodate a small battery on your Yak....Well I asked you about that & your response sent me to Batteries + & a small dry cell or deep cycle battery....It worked out perfectly for my 30 lb. MinnKota....So there are all sorts of possibilities you just have to look!!

Jersey Joel Fishing.....Thanks!!Over the years this platform has performed flawlessly & has enabled me to enjoy my trips into the Refuge which has allowed me access areas of this coast that very few people know exist!!

Wayn Jul....Thanks!! Oh Yea....I've had it for 25 years now with one motor change....The boat has been a PITA because of the crummy welded tunnel instead of being formed & from worn out rivets....So last year I stripped it & took it to a welder & explained everything I wanted done from a structural standpoint. He had it for a week & I've had no more problems with water. You know I look for low cost solutions on everything....you do to....so I think of what's available that can be altered or that I can manufacture....It's usually pretty simple....It's what I've been doing all my life!!

@@WesLovelace Been there done that on a couple of boats.

Lev Kris Coins....Thanks!! My skinny boat allows acess to an area of the Gulf Coast that most people don't want anything to do with because of the lime rock bottom feature....You can literally destroy you boat in the Refuge....Glad you could stop by!

Robert Agri Chillin' Outdoors....Thanks!! At some time all I can think of is ....What If!! I've acknowledged by trial & error there is always a better widget I've just got to go out there & find it!! I'm hoping that Desantis does a better job down there with water quality because Rick Scott & the Corp were the reasons for the problems in South Florida during the last 8 years!!

Rsulraumavideos....Thanks!! I live in a great place on the water which allows me easy access to the fishing grounds to the North!!

Fishing_With_BIg-D....Thanks!! When I started looking I had a general idea what I wanted & several things were set in Stone....The Tunnel for the skinny...The open floor plan & forward & Aft casting platforms plus good storage ....When the boat manufacturer said it would run in wet grass I was sold & the rest I just walked through marine supply stores looking for I could by & alter to my specs!!

Brother Dunne.....Thanks!! The summer goes by fast but here in Florida none of my pursuits ever slow down because of the mild winters so my skinny boat stays pretty active & my offshore boat stays busy until the first of the year when Grouper season shuts down!!

Swamp Stalker Outdoors.....Thanks!! I've been enjoying the ride 4 a long time now & this hull design has proven itself to be one of the best platforms when it comes to fishing in the skinny!!

Marisa Chok....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by & checking out my play toy!!

MTRUNK 85 .....Thanks!! This critter has been getting to & from the Federal Refuge for years now & allowing me catch & release a boat load of fish!!

S.K.Earth....Thanks!! It has been a great platform that has allowed me to get into places most people can't go!!

Tiger Walker....Thanks!! It's a great fishing boat for running around in the Refuge!!

Alfredo L2.....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by the channel to check out my Tunnel Boat!!

The Fishing Hobby....Thanks!! The tunnel provides a lot of lift quickly & the motor actually runs in the tunnel water. The stability is excellent & the track allows for no sliding in turns. The mats I believe are 36" square & I got them at Depot....It's reel heavy rubber & are about 3/4" thick.

Grandfather's YV....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by!!

Dream VDO....Thanks!! After 25 years this one of my go to playtoys....Have a great weekend!!

BigBearFishing.....Thanks!! When I bought the boat the factory rep who happened to be in Ocala at the time said the boat would run in wet grass.....Sold!! Yes a second person does add weight but I can till/get the boat on plane from the center & I can move the passenger forward also & still get the same results!! Floating has a kept me from having to deal with rotten plywood by allowing the wood to dry quickly.

Actually you are right in your assumption.... I recently added a tunnel shroud extension of 2" to extend the water column farther past the cavitation plate and prop ......What has happened is that there is more water to the four blade and even more lift to the stern. I'm experiencing more ventilation/cavitation with no loss of prop bite and without increased RPM's while still having sufficient water available to keep the engine cool!! The 2" tunnel extension which can now be considered a 20" trim tab is getting me on plane about 1 to 2 seconds quicker....It feels almost like a leap every time I throttle up and I have to physically compensate when it is my intention to get up on plane in less than 3 seconds which I can now do....That's about 1 to 2 seconds quicker than before and believe me with this nasty lime rock bottom the faster the better....LOL!! Now I found 1 down side which can also be considered a positive.....Max speed use to be 27 MPH but with the extension the bow is now forced down to the point of plowing near max speed so I have lost about 2 to 3 MPH......But the positive is that this plowing now raises the stern maybe as much as an 2" without ventilation thus allowing me an even skinnier presence when the prop clearance is critical!! Appreciate you pointing this out because I considered a Jack plate first but found a welder that could build to my specifications and so far it's been worth the build....From my standpoint you can never have too much skinny.....Sea Ya!!

@@WesLovelace this is very true. skinny water boats for the win. im fixing to get rid of this thing and go for a more simple tiller, but beefed up transom with a 40 horse. should run about 40mph plus

Nicks Adventure Documentary Channel....Thanks!! It has been the perfect skinny water boat from the beginning & it has allowed me into an area that that has a bad reputation for destroying lower units & compromising nulls....Glad you could stop by!!

Jupiter George Fishing....Thanks!! I routinely run 20 miles total...10 up 10 back & make 3 trips on a tank!! I'll do you one better.....Last August I replaced a 70 Carb'd Johnson 3 cylinder 2 stroke with a 70 Yamaha Fuel Injected 4 stroke 4 cylinder...The Johnson would do about 4 miles to the gallon....I've now put 55 hours on the Yamaha & the Totalizer & GPS is showing me 8 miles to the Gallon....How about that !! When I was in the Keys I was able to get offshore 9 days with the distance being about 40 miles total each day....I was only using a 5 Gallon tank to fill up with!!

Is your 25 hp Yamaha a 2 stroke or 4? Looked like a 2...

George the 25 Yamaha is the last of the oil burners from 2008. All I've done for 11 years is maintenance....I don't use Ethanol & I do add Yamaha ring free because it does keep the carbs clean & rings from sticking!! I've looked at the new 4 stroke but it's 15 lbs. heavier, idles like shit & I really don't need to cover any more water than what I'm doing now....I can always tow it anywhere & almost launch off the side of the road & I fish a lot by myself but if I want to there's always someone who wants to go with me & it's a great 2 person boat!!

HLRJaystee Moore....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by & checking my build!!

It is ....I've got 2 of the 3 bays....neighbor owns the other.

Patrick Hoins....Thanks!! One of my first trips 25 years ago in this boat was in Ozello & I didn't know the area at all & that's where I took my first Skeg off in 5 inches of water at low tide with the crab traps out of the water!! I replaced 7 more times until I bought the Yamaha in 2008 & it's still intact. For several years I had access to an air boat so I took trips at low tide ....scared the hell out of me to say the least but I've learned over the years where & when I can run around up there!! The main thing is forget low tides....That's asking for reel trouble....I've towed people who have torn the lower units off & compromised hulls!! If you've watched any of ny trips they are all at a high tide....during the winter I'm usually operating in marginal water because the tides suck...so sometimes it's a get in for say Trout & get out because I don't like coming down the coast outside the islands in the Refuge!! Now after rambling I'd ask what type of boat you have & the draft. Since I only use the high's in summer that are usually 3.2 to 3.5's you can run a pretty good size boat!! What I have offered to other people if you want to learn the inside route I don't mind showing how to get in there....learning the area is a whole nother story....If you decide it's something you'd like to try I can get you in there & back in one piece....I'd say once you get a taste of the Chazz everything else wood be Ho Hum!!

Wes Lovelace thank you for sharing I have a Carolina Skiff 18JVX 70hp Yamaha 4S the specs on draft is they say 4” but I’ve never had it that skinny. I launched at Bayport today sept 7 and did very well 2 Spanish, 2 jacks, 3 trout, 2 reds 25”, and a 1 small gag grouper. All caught on artificials. Yes I would love to go into the refuge with you just let me know you can use messenger to notify.

Luke outdoors.....Thanks!! Nothing like having all the right equipment on board when you're miles from home!!

Harold Devoe....Thanks Lucky!! Are you kidding.... it's the BEST and it was fabricated by a Master Craftsman to help dress up the Shack....If you're interested I happen to know him...LOL!!

Marianne Cano OFFICIAL.....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by!!

Dennis Ressel.....Thanks Buddy!! With over 4,000 hours I keep waiting for it to blow up....Maybe we can come to terms one of these days.....Don't you want to sponsor my escapades in the Chazz!!

VitalFishing....Thanks!! I've been having a blast with mine now for 25 years & with my knowledge and the boats ability to get me to where the fish are I'm hanging on to this critter & if yours can do similar things I'd hang on to it!!

Allen Oxendine.....Thanks!! My skinny boat has provided me with endless opportunities to fish anywhere I want here in Florida....Enjoy your weekend!!

Will Hook....Thanks!! I've put a lot of labor plus a bunch of time in stores getting ideas on how to improve my experience on the water!!

HCR Fishing.....Thanks!! I've had this set up for quite a while now & it has allowed me access to an area that scares the hell out of people & gives me very limited competition in the process & I definitely like that....LOL!!

@@WesLovelace ahahah advantages above the rest

Out and About Outdoors With Ron and Friends.....Thanks!! Knot even considering the sale.....Ron I've got way to much time & effort knot to mention money to start over. I've looked at custom boats & fully rigged would be 25 to 30K & there wood probably be issues with the hole shot & running in skinny water!! I'm pushing 4 thousand hours on the current motor & it's never had a hiccup.....Replacing the current 2 stroke with a 4 stroke is definitely on the menu in the future. The set up that I now have allows me access to the Refuge where only a handful of boats can navigate safely.....Less boats more fish 4 me....LOL!!

I agree!👌👍😊

Murder Inc. Hunting.....Thanks!! I've had this critter for a long time & it gets me where I want to go & allows me to fish in an area that very people even bother to venture!!

The Norma.....Thanks!! My skinny water boat has allowed me to catch a lot of fish in a remote section of Florida where I live!!

Timothy Jorden.....Thanks!! As far as I know it's a 1548!! Specs are as follows......The boat has a V bow is 38" wide at the bow and widens to 72" at the stern.....You could call it a wedge design and the wide stern makes this critter reel stable even on the narrower bow casting/poling deck!! The tunnel is 6" in height and 20" wide!! With the addition of the 4 blade prop I lost 3 mph at the top and with the addition of the tunnel extension/20" trim tab and the cavitation plate I lost another 2 mph.....What has happened is these additions push the nose over/down so I can no longer run quite as fast.....But the up side is that because I plow at a higher speed when I need another 1" or 2" of lift to run a little skinnier my stern raises giving me a little more ground clearance.....I'll tell you it's taken a while to get use to running this shallow but over the years I'm in tune with the height of the water I'm running in based on certain rocks or land features that are exposed at a certain height as far as exposure and some times some of these passes have a pucker factor....Sea Ya!!

@@WesLovelacedo you know anything about float pods? If I build a boat from scratch should I get them?

@@timothyjordan5942 I know they are suppose to add buoyancy to the stern but other than that It's knot a subject I've thought about.....They can be used as trim tabs.....Now personally I think they are a waste....I can buy spring loaded trim tabs for a couple of hundred bucks that would do the same thing or since there's fabrication involved you could add welded tabs to help get out of the hole ....Adding the tunnel extension gave me a 20" trim tab and with a tunnel, a 4 blader and possibly a jack plate that's about all you can do.....My transom is so high now a jack plate is a waste!!

William Knight....Thanks!! If you live here on the Gulf Coast I would stay with the Prop and Tunnel because they drag the offshore waters for shrimp and tons of sea grass is destroyed and ends up floating and when the prevailing winds are from the Southwest, West or Northwest this floating grass will choke a jet(My neighbor has one) and with my tunnel/prop I have issues with the tunnel directing this grass at the lower unit causing cavitation. Now if floating debris is of no concern then I'd go with the Jet either with or without the tunnel. Understand that to equal a prop motor the jet will require more horses to obtain similar speeds plus it allows for reel skinny navigation and here on this coast skinny is crucial because of the lime rock bottom....Thanks for the question....Feel free to ask anytime....Sea Ya!!

@@WesLovelace Thank you for your response. In your opinion, do you need pods to prevent squatting, trim tabs to prevent porpoising or a jack plate. Do you have a problem with blow outs in tight turns? Thanks again.

@@williamknight7040No trims or pods at least not with my tunnel....Jack plate to get the top motor cavitation plate about a 1/4" above the tunnel is a good idea. The tunnel provides a lot of lift....and it's like a monorail....no slide and I use the motor manual fixed trim adjustment rod to run the motor parallel to the boat for maximum height in the water column with no bow flapping!! By the time the tunnel water slopes down and reaches the end of the motor the cavitation plate is exposed right on top of the water column and my 4 blader is just barely biting the water!! Sometimes when i have to make a hard starboard turn into the outgoing I lose grip so I tend to drop the stern to get a better bite into the turn!! For whatever reason this does not occur during a port turn!! It may be standing on the starboard side is the element that causes this problem....Sea Ya!!

@@WesLovelace Thank you again.

Drone video & travel.....Thanks!! Appreciate you commenting & supporting my fishing & flying channel....I'll stop by and check your channel out!!

madek jail.....Thanks!! The only way to fish these creek areas is with a boat able to navigate very shallow water!!

Roger Jones.....Thanks!! I put a lot of work into into getting this boat rigged like I wanted it & it's helped me find a lot of fish over the years!!

To that response I would say bring your non tunnel boat up here to the Refuge Because I've been running this place for over 30 years...25 in this boat & it's doubtful you know the bottom makeup or the dynamics of a tunnel hull!!

Folk art....Thanks!! This boat allows me access to areas that are difficult to get to & to fish in very shallow water!!

Stubbs bitchin & fishing.....Thanks!! My inshore skinny & my offshore center console have provided me with years of service & have been well worth the investment and have provided me with many memorable fishing trips!!

@@WesLovelace It looks great and very organized not like our boat! I will be mailing the stuff out on Monday :)

Shannon D'Arcy....Thanks!! Appreciate you taking the time to check out my skinny water boat....Have a great weekend!!

Big John's Life....Thanks!! I've got a 30 lb. MinnKota that sits beside the Yamaha on the transom & I'm using a small mobility deep cycle or some call it a dry cell rechargeable made by Duracell.... it will last about 5 hours....I normally only use it when I'm fishing in freshwater....It works reel well!!

Marta Laura Zayas....Thanks!! I did a lot of brain storming in figuring out what I wanted in the way of a complete fishing platform & over the years it has evolved into a well appointed boat that has helped put me in places that most other boats only dream about finding....Glad you could stop by Marta!!

R&J BASS FISHING CHANNEL.....Thanks Rick!! The plywood added a lot of rigidity to the floor & since I flush under it with fresh water just to remove any saltwater those washers have prevented any wood rot all these years. I spent a lot of time in boat stores looking for add ons ....the smoked compartment door I kind of lucked out on...Glad you stopped by!!

Off Fishing.....Thanks!! It's a great all purpose boat both in the Salt & Fresh which I do on occasions & has been on the water with one motor change for 25 years now....I can't replace it....so I do take good care of both of my babies!!

SK's CRAPPIE Catchin Adventures....Thanks!! You know they're washers in hoses !! I doubled them with epoxy attached them to the ribs using the same adhesive and this system has made it more rigid ....This 4X8 sheet of 1/2" CDX non treated plywood has been on the boat now for 25 years & it's gotten reel wet on occasions....The system really works!! This skinny boat will be hauling my hind parts around for another 25 years!!

Dave Stredulinsky....Thanks!! It took me a while to get all the stuff where I wanted it... But I've got everything I need at my finger tips.....Enjoy your week Dave!!

HB Maverick.....Thanks!! It's a great 2 person boat & I've managed to put a lot of stuff that might have use of when I'm on the water....Have a great week!!

That sounds pretty sweet with the Xception of the lion!! I've played with getting a custom boat built & it would be 16 ft...wider stance with the tunnel ,forward electric 55 lb.Minnkota & it would be powered with a Yamaha 60 tiller 4 stroke...Good to hear from you Nathan!!

RKJ Fishing.....Thanks!! I've had this boat quite a while & it's allowed access to an area that gets very little boat traffic because of the possibility of ripping the lower off or compromising the hull due to the lime rock bottom....Hope you can manage to get your hands on a boat....it could make a difference!!

The Texas Road Runner....Thanks!! You know over the years I found a lot of good ideas after looking how other folks outfitted their boats & spending a lot of time in marine stores....I like the feel of carpet because it allows me to fish in my bare feet!!

FloridaEastCoast SurfFishing....Thanks Wallace!! I've had this setup for over 20 years now and as many times that I think I can improve if I bought a new boat I just remind myself that starting over means I might be repeating myself!!

Drone Production....Thanks!! The skinny boat has given me a lot of years on the water & has gotten me to some of the best fishing in Florida....Enjoy your week!!

Farm And Natural....Thanks!! Glad you could stop by ....Enjoy your weekend!!

fishy dubs fishing....Thanks!! When I bought it the salesman said it would run in wet grass & that sold me...All the add-ons were done with plenty of trips to marine stores & braining storming what I could buy & fabricate it to my specs!!

Judy M....Thanks!! Some of my friends would say the 2 cent tour....I'm worth more...at least a Nickel....LOL!! Appreciate you stopping by Judy....You enjoy your weekend!!

You are worth more, dear Wes. 👏👏👏😂And you’re welcome. 😊🦜🎹🎶✨💫

Blaney's Channel....Thanks!! I've added as much stuff as I had room to put all the bells & whistles on & the boat has provided me with thousands of hours of great memories!!

Travel with Yvonne.....Thanks!! I've spent a lot of time with the up keep & brain storming on how to improve functionality & put just as many toys as possible....LOL!!

RODPIKER DRONES UK.....Thanks!! It's taken me quite a while to get everything that I could possibility need when I'm on the water!!

Travel Tuber....Thanks!! It's been a great addition to my fishing inventory over the years & it's help put me on a lot of fish!!

Songmandave1....Thanks!! It gets me where I want to go in the skinny water in the Refuge!!

John O toole dog games....Thanks!! Don't know what I'd do without my skinny water platform!!

BilLVeR Daily getaway....Thanks!! This boat has supplied me with many hours of wonderful fishing trips!!

My Korean DreamS....Thanks Berto!! I've put everything on this craft that I might need while fishing the skinny water in the Refuge....Have a great week!!

Creating A Simpler Life....Thanks!! Everybody starts somewhere & just having the boating option can add a whole new dimension to being on the water!!

Wes Lovelace absolutely!

YourNextCast.....Thanks!! Skinny running & fishing at it's best...It certainly gets me around in the Refuge with all the stuff I need plus it has an open concept that I wanted when on the water....Glad you could stop by!!

Traveler Greg....Thanks!! I've been fishing from this skinny boat for quite a while & it's outfitted with everything I need....Enjoy your week!!

The Old BASSer....Thanks!! It's taken me a while to get the critter like I want it but it's been a great boat to get me around the Chazz!!

Twin Video Production.....Thanks!! The skinny boat has allowed me to access places most people can't get to

Dpuck Fishing and Outdoors.....Thanks!! Where I live the coastal bottom is a rock nightmare so to be able to fish in the skinny requires a boat that will plane in a couple of seconds and run in reel shallow water and my tunnel allows me to challenge the back country!!

Quick cooking tamil....Thanks!! Appreciate you stopping by & checking out my skinny boat!!

Fishing About....Thanks!! It's my pride & joy & I've been fishing out of it for 25 years!!

OUT AND ABOUT OUTDOORS WITH RON AND FRIENDS.....Thanks!! Over the years I've added anything that would fit or enhance being self sufficient when I'm on the water & I'm still looking for more stuff!!

SILAI QUEEN....Thanks....Appreciate you stopping by!!

Allen Outdoors.....It's been a labor of love for 25 years...It really lets me get where I want to go in the Refuge!!

4 Da Kidz....Thanks Desmond!! The Refuge requires a specialized boat to run around those skinny creeks....so far I've managed to keep my lower unit attached....LOL!!