On September 7, 2008, I fished the 2008 2nd Annual Anchor Marine Big Bass Tournament on Choke Canyon hosted by BASSCHAMPS. While fishing with my 17 year old son, I caught a 10.86 lb bass which was the largest of the tournament and won the grand prize which was a 2009 Skeeter SX 190-Yamaha 150 HPDI. I never took delivery of this new boat and elected to have Anchor Marine sell it for me on consignment. I already had a boat and figured Anchor Marine which is in the boat selling business could sell it for more than I could. About once a month I would call and check the status of the boat and see if anyone was interested. Knowing that the economy had hurt the boating industry, I wasn't surprised that it didn't sell quick. The first part of this year I was told that there was a person up in the pan-handle that was interested in the boat and had put a deposit down on it. Over the next few months I was told a number of different times that the buyer would be in San Antonio in a few weeks and then we could wrap up the deal. A few months later I was told that the boat had developed spider cracks from sitting on the lot and that they needed to get it repaired under warranty before the buyer picked it up. Late this summer someone tells me that the boat that I had won had been sold a long time ago and that I needed to confront Anchor Marine about this. On 8-26-2010, a good friend of mine and I show up at Anchor Marine one morning. We met Tony Alvarez,Sr.(President and COO of Anchor Marine) in his office. Rather than make any accusations, I just told Tony that I was here to pick up the boat and sell it myself. He said that the boat wasn't there and that it had been sold but that I was going to get my money. He apologized for his company's actions and basically said that his son Tony, Jr. had made alot of bad business decisions. After he was done apologizing, I asked if I could get a check today. He said absolutely and went and got one. Twice over the next 2 weeks I presented the $23,000 check from Anchor Marine to his bank and both times there was non-sufficient funds. On 9-9-2010 I went to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office-Check Section and filed a report for this hot check. The criminal investigator for the DA's office is Jay Neumann and he is in the process of gathering information on the case. He has contacted Anchor Marine and at this time they are unwilling to resolve this and just seem willing to let the DA's office proceed with their criminal prosecution. I have contacted Skeeter and Basschamps and am in the process of obtaining all information possible in regards to the boat so as to help the DA's office. I have attempted to keep my opinions and theories as well as rumors that I have heard out of this story. Winning a BASSCHAMPS event was a dream come true, one of the highlights of my life. I can't believe this has happened.

BASSCHAMPS is a super organization and represents the finest in bass tournaments. I as a bass fisherman appreciate all that you do!!!

James T. Bryant, D.C.

Wow


They need to own up to it

Sounds like they owe you a boat. Maybe just tell them you will take one of the 2010 models they have in stock?

Heck you can probably press charges for theft and not mess with the "hot check" angle.

wow!!!!

You should look into sueing them in civial court as well.I would consult a lawyer sooner than later.

I havent ever heard anything good from Anchor Marine.

WoW! They need to make good on it. That is unbeleivable.

I hope that it all works our for you.

On the Other hand. Congratulations on your win! Keep it positive and it will all work out.

According to the investigator, I am not suppose to negotiate anything with Anchor Marine. They have to go through the DA's office to get this resolved. I would think they would be highly motivated to prevent criminal charges. Obviously, I have been in contact with my attorney's office for awhile.

Yes they do need to make good on it! A local news website, also had a story about another consignment problem at Anchor. I have a feeling, there are more out there.

http://www.kens5.com/news/consumer/Boat-...-105082389.html

Maybe we will get a new and improved Skeeter dealership out of this mess.

You will find out shortly about other things going down with Anchor Marine.

Wow this sounds some what familiar with Anchor Marine. I bought a used boat there in June, it was supposed to have a chip in the lowrance, got home and no chip made phone call and got excuses. The boat was supposed to have been checked out at least was charged for it. One trolling motor battery would not take a charge, got it straightend out but still had to make an extra trip. Trailer plug was chewed up not a biggie I fixed that. Took two and half moths to finally get the certificate of number for a vessel card thought the state might have been dragging there feet called TPWD no paper work there was still at Anchor. Have called and left messages with both Tony Sr&Jr and no call back. Needless to say I will not go back and recomend others to go somewhere else.

Anchor Marine sounds like a fine bunch of outstanding folks....what a joke....I would contact their E&O carrier and file a claim.

If I read this right both parties pay a "make ready fee"

Dang that stinks, hope you get it all worked out and congrats on the win..