I’ve been around boats most of my life, and I know when someone is bluffing their way through it. Dan was operating one of our boats recklessly, pretending he had things under control. He ended up hitting a wing dam, and just like that, the impeller was shot. We had to be towed in — not by another rescue unit, but by a civilian in a fishing boat. That should tell you something.
Afterward, I recommended a local shop I trust — one that’s reliable and affordable. They’ve done great work in the past. I figured, given how little funding KVEC has, we should be smart with our spending. Dan immediately snapped back, saying he was taking it to B&H Marine — no explanation, no discussion. I let it go at the time, assuming maybe he had a good deal worked out with them.
Weeks went by. Way too long for a simple impeller replacement. When the boat finally came back, I saw the receipt on the desk — $2,500. For an impeller? I’ve worked on that engine myself, and I know that job shouldn’t cost more than a fraction of that. So I asked Dan about it. He got up in my face, shouting that it was none of my business. But I’m a member of this team, and how KVEC’s money is spent is absolutely my business.
Then he threatened me. Told me to keep quiet or I’d be kicked off the team and blacklisted from coming back. Said the engine had to be replaced. But I checked — it’s the same one. I know that engine like the back of my hand.
I can’t say for sure what’s going on behind the scenes, but it doesn’t sit right with me. It looks like he’s funneling money to friends and possibly pocketing some of it back. That’s what money laundering looks like. And in an organization that runs on community donations and trust? That’s unforgivable.