RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 (V1) was being operated at the listed location as part of a tour when it struck a channel marker.  The operator rented the personal watercraft (PWC) from Clearwater Beach Wave Runners Inc. and was on a guided tour when he looked down to wipe sea spray from his face.  When he looked up, he saw the channel marker and unsuccessfully tried to avoid it.  OPERATOR was ejected from the PWC, but was uninjured.  V1 sustained damage to the fiberglass on the front of the vessel as well as damage to the motor mounts and the drive shaft.  The owner of the livery estimated the damage to be approximately $4,000.  OPERATOR was issued a written warning for failure to maintain a proper lookout.  Contributing factors were OPERATOR’s inexperience operating watercraft as well as deteriorating weather conditions that resulted in sea spray that obstructed OPERATOR’s vision.