I actually understand because at first, when Ashland's was first released, it was absolutely horrible. Getting there requires a special boat which may have been your issue, but once you got there it was super super hard to make any progress. Did another playthrough this year and it was definitely a more balanced experience.

You have to get a special type of boat to go there. If you're using regular boats that's why they are exploding.

I did my first playthrough with a buddy this past Spring and I don't recall the water being particularly lethal nor the boats too explodey. It was definitely hellish getting a camp set up but we eventually got in the swing of things. So I think they fixed what you're talking about, unless I somehow just missed it entirely.