"...fill my front bag to go through there to lift the rear end up some."

I was thinking similarly. If I had shifted my passengers to the front of the boat, I don't think I would have rubbed. but I certainly wasn't expecting 1.5' and it comes up on you fast. lol. Bottom line, it's passable today. And w/more and more traffic thru there, it might get better over the next 2 weeks.

Also, as you enter the river from the mouth of the cut, I think you want to stay right in the middle or somewhat to the left. I was fairly far right on the way out into the river and rubbed again. no harm done. just sand. But I was sure glad to see the depth go to 30+ feet once in the river