Back in the day it was rare to find a sober person on the river. It is where you went to play. But then at that time a 40 mph boat was fast. It can be done but it is difficult to get into too much trouble at less than 40 mph.
I have never come close to having an accident with the boat, but lakes are bigger than a river. It's pretty easy on a lake ... stay to the right of on coming traffic and give them lots of space and keep your prop up higher than usual in big waves ... almost so the motor is gurgling.