WMBF News reports that MULLINS, SC (WMBF) - A Montana man said a dream boat restoration job ended with his money gone and his collectors boats hundreds of miles away in the pee dee.
Jeff Patnode said he searched nationwide for someone to restore two rare 1986 Correct Craft Silver Nautique boats.
In 2023, Patnode hired Keith Rust for the job but said his boats have been stuck at Rust’s place in Mullins ever since.
Patnode said he paid Rust more than $24,000 for transport, trailer work, gelcoat and even shipped extra parts to South Carolina.
He said Rust promised the job would only take a couple of months, but it has been three years.
Patnode claims Rust dismantled the second boat and stored both vessels outside in the elements.