Possible Mechanic scamming for use of boats

Kamper · 08-31-2016, 10:28 AM

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.

Doobs41378 · 08-31-2016, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

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....

ishoot308 · 08-31-2016, 10:55 AM

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!

radiocontester · 08-31-2016, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308

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.

Winnisquamer · 08-31-2016, 11:43 AM

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

Hillcountry · 09-01-2016, 07:08 AM

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

Dave R · 09-01-2016, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnisquamer

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

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

Woody38 · 09-01-2016, 10:14 AM

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.

Winnisquamer · 09-01-2016, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

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

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!

dpg · 09-01-2016, 11:12 AM

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...

noreast · 09-01-2016, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody38

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 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.

Major · 09-01-2016, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noreast

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.

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

Luvinlife · 09-13-2016, 07:32 AM

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.

Kamper · 09-25-2016, 09:27 AM

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.

Kamper · 11-04-2016, 01:10 PM

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.

Kamper · 11-13-2016, 07:44 AM

This is from the victim

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleB58

Got an unsolicited email this morning from a police officer in his NH hometown asking for information so they could charge Lee Cwalina with something. The officer asked me for statements and invoices regarding the engine, damage and work Lee never did. I sent the police officer my original statement, the insurance adjuster photos and findings along with the cancelled check. Told them I wanted to press criminal charges because he seems to do this type of thing often and gets away with it. Just don't want anyone else to get scammed like I did

Just now I received an unsolicited update from them the same officer letting me know they just arrested him on an unrelated matter. They assured me he does not get away with everything. So glad to see they got him on something! Great job by the police department to keep me informed and reach out. Restored my faith

Luvinlife · 03-10-2017, 06:28 PM

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.

Kamper · 10-30-2018, 09:38 AM

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"

MDoug · 10-30-2018, 09:45 AM

Thanks, All, for this heads up!

iw8surf · 10-30-2018, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kamper

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"

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

08-31-2016, 10:28 AM	#1
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	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. Attached Images

08-31-2016, 10:55 AM	#3
ishoot308 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford, NH / Welch Island Posts: 6,243 Thanks: 2,389 Thanked 5,282 Times in 2,054 Posts	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! __________________ It's Always Sunny On Welch Island!!

09-13-2016, 07:32 AM	#13
Luvinlife Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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. Attached Images Last edited by Luvinlife; 09-13-2016 at 02:05 PM.

03-10-2017, 06:28 PM	#17
Luvinlife Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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.

10-30-2018, 09:45 AM	#19
MDoug Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 342 Thanks: 116 Thanked 42 Times in 39 Posts	Scammer Thanks, All, for this heads up!

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to Kamper For This Useful Post:
BroadHopper (09-01-2016), Descant (08-31-2016), HellRaZoR004 (08-31-2016), Hillcountry (09-01-2016)

08-31-2016, 11:43 AM	#5
Winnisquamer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Winnisquam Posts: 408 Thanks: 72 Thanked 115 Times in 73 Posts	I always thought craigslist was the one site you knew you were dealing with questionable people.

09-01-2016, 07:08 AM	#6
Hillcountry Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: In the hills Posts: 2,420 Thanks: 1,677 Thanked 786 Times in 466 Posts	Never ceases to amaze me how these douchebags are still walking.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to Dave R For This Useful Post:
Cal Coon (11-03-2018), chipj29 (09-04-2016)

09-01-2016, 10:14 AM	#8
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 578 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	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.

09-01-2016, 11:12 AM	#10
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,595 Thanks: 153 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	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...

The Following User Says Thank You to noreast For This Useful Post:
Cal Coon (11-03-2018)

09-25-2016, 09:27 AM	#14
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	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.

The Following User Says Thank You to Kamper For This Useful Post:
diz (11-05-2016)

11-04-2016, 01:10 PM	#15
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	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.

10-30-2018, 09:38 AM	#18
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,306 Thanks: 67 Thanked 171 Times in 127 Posts	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"