On October 14, 2023 between 09:30 and 10:00 hours, a vessel (2001 23' Carolina Skiff, Open Motorboat) was being operated by the owner Southbound on Petty Creek at approximately 20-25 MHP when he struck a solid submerged object. This impact caused the motor to be forced upward where the front of the cowling was damaged by hitting the rear deck of the vessel. There was damage to the lower unit of the motor, the stainless steel propeller was misshaped, and the propeller shaft was bent during the incident. There was no visible damage to the fiberglass/hull of the vessel.
Owner/Operator advised that the weather was clear, water was calm, the tide was outgoing, the water depth was lower than usual, and there were no other external or mechanical factors that led to the collision.
OP1 brought the vessel to Homosassa Marine for repair, who I contacted and was informed that a this time the quote for repair is $4431.00, unless they find more damage while working on the vessel.

PETTY CREEK
HOMOSASSA                     