operator WAS OPERATING HIS MOTORBOAT IN THE MAIN CHANEL ON LAKE NORMAN JUST NORTH OF BUFFALO SHOALS RD BRIDGE.  HE WAS CRUISING UP RIVER AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH WHEN THE BOAT STRUCK A LOG THAT WAS PARTIALLY SUBMERGED.  THE OUTDRIVE OF THE BOAT WAS DISABLED AND THE MOTOR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT.  operator HAD TO PADDLE THE BOAT BACK TO BILL'S MARINA.  VISIBILITY WAS GOOD.  HOWEVER, WITH IT BEING DARK, THE LOG WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN VISIBLE TO A BOATER.  THERE WERE NO INJURIES.  THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT DRUGS OR ALCOHOL CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.
CATAWBA                       