Complaint Review: SNUG Harbor Yacht Sales

Hello, I am writing about a NJ boat brokerage that has been operating fraudulently, dishonestly, and outright stolen peoples money. The Company is Snug Harbor Yacht Sales - Web site (http://www.snugharboryachtsales.com/index.html) Phone # 732-701-9333, with the owner being Tom Gringass.

Any help you can provide to expose his fraud, facilitate government criminal prosecution, educate consumer awareness (prevent other unknowing consumers) and get peoples money back would be greatly appreciated.

I have been looking for a fishing boat to purchase. I found it (2000 Mako 293) on Boats.com, where I was directed to Snug Harbor Yacht Sales. I live in Wilmington, DE and the boat is located in Bayville, NJ. I contacted the office [October 2002], inquired on the boat and arranged to see/ inspect the boat. Within the couple of weeks from initial contact and actually viewing the boat for the first time there were a total of 3 different salesmen assigned to this boat that I dealt with [That should have been a red flag].

I liked the boat and made an offer, through negotiations we agreed on a price. I signed a contract: (contingent upon a Marine Survey, Mechanical Inspection (of the outboards), and Sea Trial) and placed 10 % deposit of the contract ( $ 6,850 for overall purchase price of $ 68,500). I had a professional Marine survey performed and a separate mechanical inspection of the outboards (by an authorized Mercury dealer).

Several minor problems were reported as normal, however I discovered that the boat engines had 158 hours instead of the 50 hours in the ad specs and the boat did not have air conditioning (as verbally described to me). I therefore send a cancellation of the contract, based on the findings. I requested a drop in price or a refund of my deposit.

The boat owner did not agree to the new offer ($ 65,000), so I asked for my money back. The brokerage owner Snug Harbor Yacht Sales (Tom Gringass) has not returned my phone calls or made any other form of correspondence [3 weeks]. The salesman (Tom Murphy) tells me that only the owner can refund my money. The original check was made out to Snug Harbor Yacht Sales.

I have paid for all the inspections/surveys, so there are no expenses outstanding (I have copies of all the documents, ads, and contract).

The worst part that I have now found out is that the owner, Tom Gringass, has been pulling this stunt for some time. Come to find out that everyone in the local area of this brokerage company is aware of his tactics.

The first indication came to me when I met with the Boat Surveyor (William Gross), he indicated that several people had not been able to obtain their money back. One story proceeded that a local police office, who had put money down on a boat, had to basically demand his money at gunpoint (hearsay). Another story was that another professional Marine Surveyor (acquaintance of Bill Gross) while in court for a traffic accident witnessed Tom Gringass in court (case before) for the same issue.

So I've started investigating on my own. It appears that the Assistant DA for Ocean County NJ (Anthony Pierro) has several cases on Snug Harbor Yacht Sales, however he has not yet returned my calls. I talked to someone else in the prosecutors office (agent Bianco) and asked about the process for getting my case heard. As I explained he then, was very familiar with Snug Harbor Yacht Sales, and outlined the process for me (contact the police to file a report).

I asked agent Bianco why, if everyone in the county knew of Mr. Gringass's practices, was he allowed to continue to operate. Agent Bianco, stated that Mr. Gringass has been doing this for some time and he avoids persecution by moving his office location (to other towns.

Apparently he has moved (and been kicked out by the city governments) from Brielle, Bricktown, and now to Bayhead. I would think then that the state of New Jersey would get involved, however no one seems to bat an eye.

I then proceeded to call the police dept that agent Bianco referred me to (Bricktown Police), The person I spoke with new very well of Mr. Gringass, however since he had moved I had to call the Bayhead police. I then proceeded to call the Bayhead police, where there too they were all to familiar with Mr. Gringasss tactics.

Apparently the Lieutenant (Mr. Grace) had several cases past and present. In order for me to file, I have to go in person to the police station. Even with this everyone insists that this is only a civil case /dispute. My question is At what point do we start calling this outright criminal fraud ?

Furthermore all the agencies seem to have a bureaucratic approach that then even if you follow the process, it will not yield your money back.

I then call the marine surveyor for a legal reference (since I am not familiar with the area). He gave me another boat broker to call. Adam Lifland. Adam was very helpful and again was very aware of Mr. Gringasss tactics. Actually Adam had a couple of first hand accounts in co-brokerages with Tom as well other stories. Adam then referred me to a lawyer that I am currently consulting with.

Lastly, I have been in contact with the salesman, Tom Murphy and another salesman (Frank Stebbins) from Snug Harbor Yacht Sales. Both men tell me that there are many similar cases going on. The owner leaves for days without any communications or word of pending business. When I tried to call last Thursday (1/8/03) all the phones had been temporarily disconnected.

I have contact numbers, and documentation as necessary if you would like. Again, I would appreciate if you could nothing else expose Mr. Gringass and his tactics to prevent any future consumers fret and subsequent loss of money.

Thank you,
Michael
Wilmington, Delaware
U.S.A.