Okay, I dont know what to do here. I was out on my boat when my engine quit on me. I was in lower tampa bay and had no choice but to paddle for land as it was getting dark and there looked to be a good storm commig my way. I turned on my lights and off I went. I made it about 5 or 600 yards and was almost across the channel when I noticed a much larger boat headed in my direction (my boat is 14 ft his was 36). I imidiatley bagan trying to flag him down hoping for a tow back to the ramp.I thought for sure they were going to stop to help as he was headed right at us. The other boat was about 20 yards away when I realized he showed no sighn of slowing down. As tough as the disision was( haha) my father and I decided we better jump. Good thing we did cause his starbord bow ripped right across the port side of my boat pretty much terring it in half. next thing I know Im looking for my dad and all I see is my overturned and now sinking boat. Fortunatley we are both okay and the only harm done is the complete loss of my boat. The guy did turn around and came back to pick us up but he realy did not want to call the fwc and just being glad to be alive I didnt push the issue. When my wife came to pick me up I realized my overturned boat could be a big hzard to others so I went ahead and reported the accident to the fwc and they said they would put out a nav. hazard warning and get back with me in the morning to make the report. The next day the officer called me and told me he would try tomake it up to my area (while I was salvaging my boat) to give me a self report to file with the state. Now I have been trying to talk to the other guy about at least helping me out with replacing my boat and he claims the accident was not his fault as I was stopped in the channel. I have never been so angry about something in my life. I spent the last two years rebuilding that boat and I only got to use it abou four times. I had no insurance on the boat and I just have no idea what to do.
