Should I take my situation to small claims court?

[aviator41]

Don't think you're going to get that cash back, but I would be stern about the pistol. Filing a police report is a bad idea. it was a part of the deal, no different than cash. It's no stolen at this point. That's a false police report and bad juju. If you can confront him tell him you're taking the boat and the gun and calling it even, or you can take him to court, but that at this point, this is on principle and you're not letting it go.

He might bow up and call trespassing on your property. be prepared to show you own the boat and the gun to a LEO in case he decides to be cute and call them. remain calm, remain respectful despite his reactions. If an LEO shows up, remain even more calm and more respectful. you will get a lot farther that way.

 

[aviator41]

oh, and never let 'this local guy' do work on your stuff. friends, family, businesses - sure. but not some 'local guy' - these toys are just to expensive for that.

 

[jwv]

Keep a cool head and be determined to get the 1911 back and YOUR boat back. Lesson learned with dealing with a local guy that is a crooked SOB.

 

[Glocktogo]

Call the sheriff's office and schedule a time to retrieve the boat (with title(s) in hand). File a lien for breach of contract if you must. It won't net you anything, but will eventually cause him some grief. After all, it's only fair.

 

[waffles]

Thanks for all the tips. Glocktogo, tell me more about this file a lien for breach of contract. And yes this guy is very shady.

 

[brennan]

What kind of 1911 did you trade?
I would call the police and have them meet you when you pick up your boat with the title.

 

[waffles]

Its was a new Rock island 2011 tactical with full rail.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

Do a court records search on him as well. If he is a felon, you might not want to tell the Sheriff or Police that you traded a gun for work.

 

[MrShooter]

If he didn't know its not a crime?

 

[SMS]

Did you already register the motor in your name? If so I don't see how you have any leg to stand on when it comes to getting the pistol back.

The original deal appears to be done and now you have a warranty dispute. I'd either make contact with him and work it out or just go pick up my boat and make sure everyone knows the guy isn't a straight shooter.