RedactedNarrative: Operator of vessel #2 was operating a rental boat after sunset and collided into a 39' sailboat that was anchored in a mooring field. Operator of V2 stated he was operating at a slow speed, however was distracted by the bright light coming from the GPS screen. Anchor light found to be on and in good working order at time of incident. 
  I met with the operator of the rental vessel , who was identified by his photo drivers license as OP2. He reported that on 11/4/22 he rented a boat for the evening through an App called "Boatsetter". He had 3 other people on board with him. Near the end of the rental period, and while heading back to the boat ramp, he was cruising east in New Pass and it became dark fast. He reported that he was unable to see through the windshield due to the light from the GPS screen reflecting off of it, causing no visibility. He stated he had to stand off to the left side in order to see. He added that one of the passengers on the bow was also helping as look out. He stated that after he entered into the bay, he veered right and collided into another vessel that was anchored east of the docks. OP2 stated he was operating at a very slow speed and never saw the vessel he struck. He reported after the collision he made a loop around the boat to make sure no one was on board; and possibly injured, and saw no activity. He stated he contacted the owner of the rental and police, to report the incident and then continued back to the 10th Street boat ramp where he met with the vessel owner and an officer with the Sarasota PD; who in turn contacted our agency. OP2 reported that he believes the incident occurred on or about 7:30 pm. 
  Investigation revealed the following:  Vessel operator #2 was operating a rental boat in the dark through a public mooring field where there are 38 "unofficial" public mooring anchors. This area is located south of New Pass adjacent to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron Facility. Operator admitted he was driving at a "slow speed" and his vessel was settled in the water, off plane. The operator was unable to see out through the windshield due to the bright reflection of the GPS screen, and had to stand off to the left in order to see better. Neither the operator or his passengers were able to see the anchored 39' sailboat that had its anchor light on, visible 360'. Vessel #2 subsequently collided into the mid-section on the sailboat's port side. The collision caused a substantial amount of crash damage to the upper section of the hull, deck and raised rails (see photo #4). The operator remained on scene to check if anyone was onboard and then immediately contacted someone to report the incident to police.
  