My name is David Lutz. I'm a 61-year-old captain with 25+ years on the water.

Asking for help at this stage of my life, with two young sons depending on me, is one of the most humbling things I've ever had to do.

My faith has been the anchor that has carried me through this difficult journey, and I'm trusting God to open the way for my sons to have a stable life in Florida. It has taught me a valuable lesson about pride and community, and I'm fully committed to making sure every bit of support I receive is repaid through hard work and service.

After a difficult custody situation in Panama, I've secured confirmed marine work in the St. Petersburg area. I have work waiting the moment we land. My sons Charles (13) and Martin (7) need stability, good schools, and their father present every day. I'm ready to give them that by coming home after almost 7 years in Panama. I've spent 25+ years running vessels, working offshore, and building profitable charter businesses. The only thing standing between my family and a stable life in my home state of Florida is getting us there.

Here's exactly where every dollar goes:

Flights for family of 5 — $2,500

First month furnished housing — $2,500

Food & emergency buffer — $500

Reliable used vehicle (startup fund) — $2,000

Work gear / tools to start earning immediately — $1,000

Total: $8,500

This is not a long-term handout. Once we're home and I'm working — which starts immediately — I'll handle everything else. The help I receive will not go unpaid. I'm fully committed to giving back through my work and service. I'll post receipts and updates here as funds are used so you can see exactly where your help went.

I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm asking for a chance to stand my family up and start contributing to the St. Pete community by working — cleaning hulls, detailing boats, and taking families out on the water.

Once working and operational (targeting October/November 2026), here's how I give back:

Donation - Service

$25 — Half-price daytime dolphin cruise for you and a guest

$50 — Free sunset dolphin cruise and bay cruise for you and a guest

$100 — 4-hour island excursion and dolphin cruise for 2 adults + 2 children

$200 — Free underwater hull inspection (diver)

$300 — Full exterior professional detail (up to 60ft yacht)

$500 — Hull inspection + full exterior detailing combo (up to 60ft)

$1,000 — 25% off all services for 1 full year

The services listed above are my way of paying it back. If you would like something different that is not listed, please feel free to ask.

Thank you for reading. Even a small donation, or simply sharing this with someone who might be able to help, means more than you know. My boys deserve a real chance, and I'm doing everything I can to give it to them while paying it forward.—

Captain David Lutz

251.263.6860 · BoatopsLLC@gmail.com