DelauneYachtBrokerage.com

This is a follow-up to my previous post in July 2013. I did finally gain a judgment last month against Scott Hymel on the sale of my 34' Catalina. The judge signed the decree and the very next day (after two years of not returning phone calls and emails) Scott notified my attorney that he had foun…

This is a follow-up to my previous post in July 2013. I did finally gain a judgment last month against Scott Hymel on the sale of my 34' Catalina. The judge signed the decree and the very next day (after two years of not returning phone calls and emails) Scott notified my attorney that he had found Jesus (literally - this is not sarcasm) and would pay off the balance immediately. In Rick's defense, he was the broker and the broker's function is to facilitate a sale in order to earn a commission; therefore, the actual collection is not necessarily his concern. But perhaps the sailing public can learn from my experience here. I was finally successful in gaining collection, but I believe that a lot of luck was in my favor as Scott was quietly and happily enjoying the boat while ignoring all of my legal maneuvers to effect collection. He missed one (he is a maritime attorney) and I was able to get the judgment passed. My recommendation (based upon this experience)? Have a competent attorney [hired by you] handle the transaction.