It is sure interesting how people totally ignore the question and get on a tangent--happens on other lists also. What Marty has asked is if anyone has run the Black Warrior River from near Birmington Alabma (Birmingport) to Orange Beach Alabama. I have not done this--I remember a friend who did this in a 25 foot express cruiser some time ago. I would want to do some research on what fuel stops were available. I do have some charts on my chart plotter of the upper Black Warrior River and will check it tomarrow. I will let you know what I have on the chart plotter. You need to check for charts of each of these lakes thru sportsmans outlets and check out these specific lakes on the internet. For example there are web sites for each of the lakes which give some facilities, but not much information. I think that you will be best off with topo maps, and contact the Corp of Engineers to see what charts are available, if any: There are 4 major locks and dams on the river: JOHN HOLLIS BANKHEAD LOCK AND DAM which forms BANKHEAD LAKE, HOLT LOCK AND DAM which forms HOLT LAKE, WILLIAM BACON OLIVER LOCK AND DAM which forms LAKE OLIVER, and ARMISTEAD I. SELDEN or WARRIOR LOCK AND DAM which forms WARRIOR LAKE As I understand it, the only charts available are at: http://www.tec.army.mil/echarts/inlandnav/ These are of the Ten Tom part and are free. You will need a computer and a free IENC reader--or print out these charts on water proof paper/ink before hand. I would have a detailed road map for towns and possiable fuel stops. However these charts are only of the most traveled part of the Ten Tom, not the upper Black Warrior. I would have more than just a tarp on a pvc frame. If you get any significant wind, this setup will be rapidly destroyed. Start with a Bimini top properly secured and you can get camper canvas for it--or even lash tarps on the frame to give privacy. You need bathroom facilities--some area of privacy for the proti potty. You need adequate shelter from heavy rain, which you will encounter. You will need insect screens (unless you are immue to no see ems and misquitos). You will need some sleeping facility--perhaps an air matress and light sheet. It will be quite hot. You also will need good anchors--probably a couple of danforth or fortress Guardians. Some extra line to tie up to trees. I agree that a fixed VHF radio and cell phone are essentials. You also need some box to lock valuables up in. I would also have an extra engine (5 hp or so)--there are no "sea tows" on these rivers--you may find a bass fisherman who will help--but you may not--and pontoon boats don't row well. You need to know what your range is. Even on the Ten Tom, the fuel stops are not frequent in this stretch of the river. I think that you can do this--if you take the proper precautions. It would be a most interesting adventure. We would love to host you when you get to Perdido Bay. Please keep in touch. Bob Austin Pensacola FL Perdido Bay.