[tevake]

If I remember correctly, you were debating whether to ship the boat to the east coast. Or to cruise around S. end of Fla. to get it up to Daytona area. Correct?
Well at this point I would start looking for a good repair place there near home. Then truck the boat home. So you can over see the repair, Then start out boating in familiar waters. Regain the confidence of wife and family.
Take care in selecting the repair folks!!!

So sorry to hear that things have gone so badly for you at this point.

That captain sounds incompetent, was he licensed? May have bearing on Ins. settlement.

Take things slowly now to turn it all around for yourself.

All the best
Richard