You are free to use the river with your PWC. I'd get a set of river
navigation charts and learn to read the "Day Markers". You can learn about
these topics also in a Power Squadron or Coast Guard Aux Public Boating
Course. Plan your fuel and food stops carefully.

You might consider going over Niagara Falls on the PWC, it would be almost
as dangerous.

I've navigated Barge Tows, 600 Passenger Dinner Dance Boats, race boats,
and pleasure boats on the Ohio, Miss, and MO rivers.

In my opinion, your plan has a lot of danger associated with it. However is
you MUST experience it for yourself, try a few short runs where there is
normal barge traffic and see if you really think you can deal with it all.

If you run out of fuel or have engine trouble and a 3 or 4 wide barge tow
4-6 deep will find it impossible to keep from running over you.

Capt Don