My question involves small claims court in the state of: Virginia
Eight (8) months ago, I wanted to buy a boat, but did not want to take on any additional credit and was going to wait until possibly receiving a settlement from my accident. My friend offered to buy a boat for me, so we could go fishing. I told him that I could not pay him back until a possible settlement happened. He wanted to know when that would be and I told him what the lawyer told me "we should hear something in 2 months". I reiterated it over and over that I would not be able to pay back the loan prior to settlement. He agreed and bought the boat, on a handshake. We have used the boat together, although it is in my name, and I have all of the responsibilities from storing, to cleaning and insuring the boat. Shortly after the transaction was done, he started asking for the money, because he wanted to get lap-band surgery. I reminded him that I had no way to pay, prior to my claim being settled. He backed off for a bit. At least once a month, he would demand the money again, each time threatening to bring it to our Supervisors at our shared place of employment. He went so far as to call and harass my wife, demanding that we take out a loan on our home to pay him, regardless of our agreement. After she explained our finances to him, he apologized and agreed to abide by our original agreement, so as not to ruin our friendship. Shortly after that, he imposed a deadline of May 19, 2008, for me to give him at least $3,000.00. I said if the settlement hasn't happened by then, I would sell the boat, and give him $3,000.00. Last Friday, he called, angry and demanding the money again. I told him that I would sell the boat over the weekend, hopefully for $6,000.00 of which I would give him $3,000.00 and use the rest to tide us over. He agreed to this. On Sunday he called, and wanted to know what I was doing. I told him I was cleaning up the boat and taking it to be sold. He then changed his mind again, and demanded that I give him everything I sell it for. I reminded him of our initial agreement, as well as Friday's agreement, and he refused and threatened to take it to our job, and hung up on me. On Monday, he did tell them, and they told him there was nothing they could do. I called him, and asked what was going on, and he told me to keep whatever I get, and he would see me in court on Jun 11th, and that he would be mailing me a subpoena via certified mail. I have not failed to keep my end of the bargain, because the terms remain "when I receive my settlement". He has become angry and bitter towards me, because the lawsuit is not moving along according to his wishes. What is my recourse, please?

