I kick up mud every time I load or unload the boat and thats with the motor raised bout 1/2 way up. Once you do get away from the ramp and get out about 100 yards, veer to the right and you'll be in the middle of an old lake. You can crank the speed on up then if you stay between the stump rows. Just be careful when you come out of there and it's still halfway dark. There's a couple poles you might over look. Don't ask how I know, but they'll scare the crap out of you if you ain;t looking where you a going OUCH