Possible Mechanic scamming for use of boats
 

http://www.thehulltruth.com/northeas...st-marine.html


I found this info on "The Hull Truth." This person has posted as a boat mechanic on Craigslist offering his service in the NH, eastern MA region. Repairs were not done. Boat was returned damaged and with gear removed. There are pictures that suggest the boat was used by other parties.

I read that on there as well. Shame....

All you have to do is google this doofus' name (Lee Cwalina) and he has a record a mile long. Anyone who does business with him without checking isn't very smart!

Agree 100%. I would never let a mobile tech (especially CL-sourced) work on my boat without the proper due diligence.

I always thought craigslist was the one site you knew you were dealing with questionable people.

Never ceases to amaze me how these douchebags are still walking.

I've bought and sold tons of stuff on CL, never had any issues. Then again, I am pretty questionable.

Sorry about your misfortune.
Never rely on amateurs for working on anything myself. Cars go the dealer, not a gas station, boats to a good marina.
Had experience in AZ once when I went to restroom (I would never let him open the hood had I been there) and then the gas attendant told me my alternator was shot. It was about 100in the shade. He showed me metal shavings in the engine compartment and said they could install a new one in an hour. Yeah right. Went over to the local dealer and had them take a look. No problem.
Result: Wrote a letter to the major gas company, received a letter saying they had same from other motorists and his franchise was canceled.

Only trust someone you know or have reliable information about.

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

I agree I have used craigslist a lot as well. I do go there with the mindset of this item/person is suspect though. Shallow as it may be it protects me!

Who just hands their boat over to someone like this person did specially if it's their prize possession the way he stated? Sorry doesn't make it right but he was sort of asking for it...

I agree except for the car part. Most garages are far more experienced than the mechanics at dealerships, and a lot cheaper. but, obviously you have to find a good one you can trust. If it's not warranty I will never go back to a dealer, I had so many repeat issues with different dealerships. They couldn't get anything right.

Mechanic
 

I agree. A bit off topic, but we use Jim at Prestige Automotive in Gilford. He's the best!

These are the so called mechanics that used the guy's boat (the black one is his) for their own party and returned it damaged, out of gas, not running and none of the work he paid for completed. You may see them using someone else's boat. Beware.

Update from the OP on the other site:

My insurance company (Progressive) was awesome. They did their own thorough investigation, aided immeasurably by this thread, including the pictures and information from the posts along with the police reports to make their determination on the claim. Initially they felt this was a gray area and needed time to make a decision. The thread helped with their decision Their adjuster met with my primary mechanic (who got the engine running again, lake test today) and measured and took pictures of all the damage. They reimbursed me fully for the engine work, graphic damage, gel coat repair and stolen gear (minus the deductible).

The police issue is pending. The Mass police turned over their report to NH. Mass police in his former hometown know Lee well and had other interactions with him, tried to find him but he moved to NH. NH seems less enthusiastic about chasing him. Waiting for an update.

FYI - The cops still haven't arrested the criminal but the victim advises the insurance, after some initial doubt, is making him whole. The insurance provider is 'all over his ass' now. Hopefully they will find some of the crook's toys to have seized and cover the damages.

This is from the victim

Scammer arrested yet again. Stay away from him
 

Spiraling out of control.............

http://patch.com/new-hampshire/ports...uth-police-log

PORTSMOUTH, NH — Lee Cwalina, 27, of Tuttle Lane in Greenland, was arrested at 9:07 p.m. on March 6, 2017, for two counts of simple assault, criminal threatening, criminal restraint, and default or breach of bail conditions. Officers were sent to a verbal domestic incident on Woodbury Avenue after arriving, found out an alleged assault took place. A 12-hour “be on the lookout” alert was issued and later, Cwalina turned himself into police.

Editor’s Note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Portsmouth Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. This link explains the name removal request process for NH Patch police reports.

And:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/2...-log-march-6-7

March 6th

9:07 p.m.: Arrested Lee Cwalina, 27, of 72 Tuttle Lane, Greenland, for two counts alleging simple assault, a charge alleging breach of bail conditions, a charge alleging criminal restraint and a count alleging criminal threatening.

Now he's running an excavation/snow plow operation in Hampton.

Read the reviews.. '...owes me money...' "..has warrants...'

https://m.facebook.com/NorthEast-Exc...9992/?ref=py_c

There's also more updates on the original link to "The Hull Truth"

Scammer
 

Thanks, All, for this heads up!

I only see 1 review that says "great" I remember this thread, so curious to see what else is going on now.