RedactedNarrative: On November 24, 2014 at approximately 7:00 pm, operator was operating his vessel, LA9839FS, in Bayou Penchant.   Operator1 was lost and turned into a private canal which was gated.  Operator1 had his running lights on, but did not have a spotlight. Operator1  did not see the large yellow gate, and struck the gate at approximately 20 mph.  Operator1 was wearing his type 3 PFD, with the kill switch lanyard attached to the PFD.  The vessel was equipped with remote steering and there was no alcohol and or drugs suspected in this incident. Operator1 was not injured.  Terrebonne Parish Water Patrol went to the accident and escorted operator back to the Bayou Black Marina.  The vessel had received yellow transfer marks from the gate. The hull of the vessel was dented and the bow eye was bent and ripped with a hole in the hull.  The top of the vessel ws also dented and the trolling motor was broken, both having yellow transfer marks. Agent advised Operator1 that since he was lost, traveling in the dark at approximately 20mph, and could not see the yellow gate in the bayou, that he had violated the "Rules of the Road for Vessels". He had violated umber 16 which states that:  All vessels shall e operated at reasonable speed for given conditions and must be under the complete control of the operator at all times, and number 20, which states that: Operator shall maintain a proper lookout.  Agent then issued Operator1 a citation for careless operation.