Vessel #1 was approaching the dock when, approximately 50 feet away from the dock, the Operator attempted to shift into forward.  As the Operator attempted to shift forward, the shift lever broke, causing Vessel #1 to surge forward at approximately 2000 RPMs.  The Operator of Vessel #1 turned the steering wheel hard to port in an unsuccessful attempt to miss Vessel #2 which was tied to the adjacent dock.  The starboard side of Vessel #1 struck Vessel #2 astern on the port side of the swim platform.  The Operator of Vessel #1 then turned off the ignition to stop Vessel #1.  Minimal damage was observed on Vessel #2; Vessel #1 suffered a 12-inch square crack in the fiberglass on the starboard side.
Charlestown                   