RedactedNarrative: Operator #1  Stated to the effect: I was coming around the tip of the hook and heard a boom and the engine kicked up, I lost power and the boat felt bogged down, I thought I was taking on water.  
  
  Witness #1  We hit something under water, I looked back but didn't see anything.
  
  Investigation revealed: Vessel #1 was on plane heading in bound in the Sandy Hook Channel when it struck a submerged object.  The operator a witness statements indicated that they felt the object strike the hull and engine.  After the impact the operator stated he had less power and had difficultly making way.  The vessel was able to be driven to the Atlantic Highlands Marina boat ramp and trailered where I surveyed it for damage.
  
  The hull had some scratches on the bottom that appeared to be from going on and off the trailer. Due to the position of the rollers on the trailer, I could not view the entirety of the vessel's bottom.  There were no signs of water intrusion into the hull.  There was no visible damage to the engine and lower unit with the exception of several chips in the skeg which may have been pre-existing.  Inspection of the transom area revealed a crack on the transom on the port side of the motor mount running through the transom.
  
  No injuries were reported.