RedactedNarrative: Operator of vessel #1 was heading down river from the Savanna railroad bridge on the Illinois side of the channel. The operator was approaching the 2nd red channel marker down stream from the railroad bridge at approximately river mile 533.75. The operator could not see the channel marker due to his passenger who was sitting on the bow of the open plate boat. occupant was not in violation of passenger location, but did obstruct the view of the operator causing vessel number 1 to stike the red channel marker buoy. Upon impact, no one was ejected and all remained seated and uninjured. The operator did not realize there was any damage to the vessel until he returned home and observed the dent on the underside of the bow, and to the propeller and propeller shaft. He brought the vessel to the dealer where he purchased it, and they gave him the estimated damage in which he then reported to IDNR OLE.