I have one on my river boat and I love it. It is the DEAL for fishing in current. It only takes a few minutes for whoever is fishing off teh rear deck to get used to it. Its no different than the engine sticking up back there. I mounted mine on the port side so it would be easy for me to keep an eye on it when I am running. I can just glance over my shoulder to make sure its alright.

My 11 year old daughter fishes off the rear deck and she hasnt hit it yet. Had my 6 year old son back there yesterday and he only hit it once.