RedactedNarrative: Operator launched boat at approximately 4:00 am.  Operator was alone and it was the first time he used this boat landing and was unfamiliar with topography of the lake.  Operator trusted his chart plotter, that he admitted was functioning properly.  Operator was taking a straight line route to established way point, not taking into account that the route line would not take into account the shoreline, docks, rafts, or piers.  Operator admitted to traveling on plane at an estimated speed of 21-40 mph.  Operator estimated that he was than a couple of miles from the launch when he struck a floating object believed to be a swim raft.  
  
  As a result of the collision, the bow from about the bow eye and extending down the keel to the water line were caved in allowing substantial amounts of water to enter the boat.  In addition to the structural damage, the impact threw the Operator forward and his upper torso hit the steering wheel and bent it upward and his head broke the windshield resulting in lacerations to his forehead.   
  
  The Operator was able to get the severely damaged boat back to the launch and on the trailer.  Operator attempted to trailer the boat back to his residence, but the boat damage resulted in improper trailering and the boat feel off the trailer along the highway resulting in additional motor damage.  Operator drove himself home and was taken by his spouse to the hospital where he received stitches on this forehead and was admitted for observation for one night.  The Investigator was unable to locate a damaged swim raft.  Local law enforcement staff also were not advised of damage to a swim raft.  
   
  The Investigator was unable to diagram the incident, since it is unknown exactly what the Operator struck or exactly where the incident occurred.  Operator left the scene of the accident, so no on-water investigation was conducted.  No reports of damage from citizens was reported.  The investigation was completed after the fact.  The Operator's insurance company paid the claim and took the boat as a total loss prior to investigation and the report was filed.
  