V1 was approaching the dock for the first time for seasonal dockage.  As V1 was nearing the dock at or below idle speed the running gear struck bottom causing the vessel to lose main engine power.  At this point the vessel had no throttle or steering capabilities because there was no hydraulic power to steer.  The vessel continued to move forward toward the dock pilings without any means to steer.  The operator stated that he was approximately sixty feet from the dock approaching very slowly.

Due to a mechanical failure prior to this incident the operator was operating the vessel on the back up throttle system.  Because of the backup system it took an extra step to re-crank the engines.  The vessel continued to near the dock pilings at a very slow speed during that time.

The operator was able to regain power and reverse the engines just prior to impact.  The top of the starboard bow made contact first with the pilings.  When the vessel struck the pilings it pushed one over and broke another as well as displaced the wood decking in between the two pilings.  The broken piling also had a PWC lift with V2 attached.  V2 only suffered from minor fiberglass repair.  V1 only had minor scratches from the pilings.
FT. LAUDERDALE                