Not to sure about how deep to take the pioneer but, if you do go to deep they are set up with a safety to not let it turn over. I had mine go through some ice a couple weekends ago and the creek was 4 foot deep or so. I drained the air intake that was full and flushed the oil 6 times to make sure all water was out and drained the gas. It runs like new again. Hondas are tough machines.