Salem

There's no shallows on 'my' side of the river. A canoe I can wear like a backpack, swim to a shallow area and then Avast. I've tried to launch the canoe several times on the 'deep' side; but it's always face down. I can of course get out while the canoe is partially beached, unload and pick it up.

So- will a boat be any different? I know I can't swim and lift at the same time... and since I can't 'wear it'... wondering

(Will I essentially have to build it on the river and leave it in a v-claimed portion of the water all the time partially beached.)

And if I have to leave it in the water... anyone know what that does for the decay rate? Know not assume... please.

Might have the mats next week...

You should be able to drop the canoe (like you do now, through ctrl+clicking it). Most likely it'll end up on land (upside down). You can then lift it and place it accurately (right-click it while lifting it) to place it on the edge of the deep water. In this way, you should be able to board (avast) it. The same mechanic goes for rowboats (the lifting part, since you cannot equip it).