Caveat Emptor

[gran398]

Thanks....so here's the news this morning, not good.

Two uniformed officers went to his house yesterday afternoon. He was of course shocked. The Lt. told him about his son, he said he didn't believe him, his son was an upstanding man, he would never lie to him. He said his wife had been diagnosed with cancer, he had too much to deal with. He became visibly upset, said he was through with the boat, and started crying. Then his wife began to cry too.

Said it was my boat, paid for, asked the officers to leave.

The Lt. said not to call him, write him a letter in a few days and plead my case.

Or, call an attorney, appear in Fla. Court for the lawsuit. Throw good money after bad.

So, can part it out now, sell the motors, keep the hull. Or run it this summer as it is (fix the fuel feed problem) and claim fame to the ugliest 22-2 in the Tarheel state. Do the glass work this winter.

If I were the old man, knowing my days on this earth were numbered, I'd make it right. But like the Lt. says, if he didn't repond to two uniformed police at his door, what does that tell us?

I'm pretty much resolved that my chances with him are through...and the sad thing is that this guy has the big bucks, that money to him is like ten bucks to us.

Damn shame. Its still a pretty boat from 50 yards away.....what would you guys do?

[miky2884]

Id really give the old F*** something to cry about, sorry for my harsh words but there is just no room in my world for people like that, its a scam and he should  have to do what he needs to do to make the situation right!   :evil:

[bdiddy]

If it was me. I would have an attorney draft a letter. They will know exactly what to do. I always do this before i do anything. It will either get there attention or they will call  your bluff.  Most people, like yourself dont want to go through the hassle of litigation.  After that point, depending on their response, make a decision.  What county are they in? I may be able to refer someone to you or someone on this site may be an attorney? Having an attorney draft a letter will be a LOW cost to you or maybe even free. $100 tops.

[gran398]

bdiddy, thanks, have inquired around Marco area for an attorney, no returned calls thus far.

Marco is in Collier County.

I need the meanest, baddest big-name attorney there....Perry Mason, if you will.

Good recommendation to draft a letter. Thanks!

[wingtime]

I'm surprised the police got involved in this since most of them would say this is clearly a civil case.  Unless you count the damage the son did to YOUR boat after you had already bought it (if I'm reading this thread right).  That could be grounds for a criminal case for  you to pursue against the son. Other than that  I would do what your doing and take him to court.  I believe the maximum amount in Florida small claims court is $5000.  good luck.

[bdiddy]

No problem. Stuff like this sucks. I was successful with attorney letters in my last two incidents where i was taken advantage of and avoided litigation. Word to wise. Be very careful with attorneys. They can rack up a big bill on you quick. Use this a rule of thumb. Pretty much you are on the clock with them at all times. I emailed the attorney who drafted a letter for me to see if he could do it in Collier County.

[gran398]

thanks very much for this.

The fiberglass guy(my friend) just finished his inspection. Hull needs complete rebuild.  Engines MAY BE worth 6K.

What a f$*&'n nightmare.

[bumpster]

Sorry his wife is sick, Sorry his son is an a$$hole, sorry the old man is a pickle smoocher! Give me  6k of my money back or I will let my attorneys handle it. BTW Screw the freakin cops! They backed off cause his wife is sick and he started to cry. Give me a break! I bet he wasn't shedding a tear as the boat left his property. G even if you don't get anything back I think that you should make his life really miserable. Email him have an attorney e-mail him file papers in small claims court anything you can do to interrupt his life. You're self employed so you have time to screw with his life. I would call him at least once a week.

[RickK]

What a bunch of BS - hopefully the guy at the parts store has the right "son"  

So how handy are you G?  Sounds like the hull is in fine shape, little sanding and gelcoating - maybe put the spray rails back on.  You could open a commercial account at Harbor freight  :pirat:  Lick your wounds, dive in, do it yourself, mark it up to experience (again) and move from the ugliest to one of the nicest 222s in the area.
I agree that you should do whatever you can to make this guy's life miserable and not stop until he gives you half the money back at least.  He's going to have to at least react or keep getting "bothered".
Another option is to cut the boat up and pile it on his front lawn before you change registration/titles  

[gran398]

Have been in touch with several of u guys about all of this. You've given great advice.  I go out in the yard and look at it. Its beat to s#*t, but as you said Rick really not bad for a total rebuild. Bottom hull looks great. I'm fairly handy, good with epoxy and carpentry, not too scared.

Could run it as-is this summer. Then start the re-build this winter, maybe have her for next spring. Pour the transom, as Capn John suggested. New floor and stringers.

Right now, I'm just sick still. Feel like somebody stole my dog.

Don't even have the energy to think about the old... what did u call him Bump, ....a Picklesmoocher?

F him, the old thief. Don't really think he's gonna be entering the Pearly Gates.

And if I were him, that would be a priority.

[Marcq]

I looked at the pictures again and I think the hull is not worth it in that condition. I say, keep the engines,controls, everything you can salvage from the boat, try to get some money back and get yourself another hull and trailer. Hulls alone are worthless and there are plenty out there, who knows!! Maybe you'll find your dream boat . And it's probably the son that's the scum bag not the old man, maybe he doesn't even remember he has a son

If you can get something like 4k or even less back you should be able to find a nice hull and trailer. You don't want to loose more money

I'll be looking for you
Marc..

[gran398]

Good point. No telling what he knows. The Lt. said his eyesight wasn't so good, asked him directly. Easy to give Paw the benefit of the doubt, or, he's the Patriarch thief. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Yep, could probably find another hull, start anew. Spoke with an Aqua rebuilder down in Tampa this evening, he also concentrates on old Sea-Vees. Asked him to join our board. He said he didn't care how well cared for, provenance, repute, etc., every 70's Aquasport out there needs a new tank, new stringers, new transom, new floor. All of them. Makes sense to me tonight after my glass guy came over. The transom to me was one of the plusses of the hull. not so after his tap test.

Now this of course doesn't apply to the old girls, the recent finds of members 170's and 19-6's that were dry-stored all those years. I thought I had the same thing. Guys, throwing myself out there to the rest of the board as a sacrifice. Don't be the trusting dummy I was. The story from the beginning you all know and have witnessed.

Gone this far, will continue to look. Dammit, guess I'm an Aquaholic.

[Marcq]

Dammit, guess I'm an Aquaholic.

Looks like you are, fortunately  

Marc..

[bdiddy]

FYI, I spoke with my attorney via email. He said he can handle Collier County and has a few cases pending there. He is with a new firm and from their website looks solid as a rock. He said he would do a consult and look at what you had for free. As i said, I would have him write a very direct demand letter stating what you want to recoup. You and him can figure that out. Find out what he will charge to draft a letter and wait for the response. I would not make any other moves until that demand is complete. I will send his contact info to you in the morning once i get to the office. I hope these guys do the right thing. Karma is a B*tch! Hopefully these guys come to their senses with some pressure.

[gran398]

bdiddy, THANK you. Response and help is why this board is the best.

I'm overwhelmed with the out-pouring here of genuine concern and assistance....makes me feel like I'm not alone. And hey, this money is nothing to a man of means. But I'm a regular guy just like the rest of us,  saved hard to pursue her.

These new ideas have got me fired up to see it through.

Thanks all.