RedactedNarrative: Operator and his passenger, his wife, were traveling upstream from the Tennessee River bridge (US Highway 431). Just south of estate he struck a navigational buoy. He stated he did not see the buoy because of the lack of visibility, due in large to the lack of moon illumination. He struck the green buoy with the bow of his bass boat; green paint transfer is evidenced on the under portion of the boat extending to the rear of the boat and its engine. After the crash the boat''s engine lost power. They utilized their trolling motor to limp their boat to Siebold boat launch ramp where they met the investigating state trooper.