How can I get my boat back from repair shop?

I brought my boat in last week for an estimate. I signed a work order and it lists all kinds of things like total parts and total labor and other charges etc. All say 0.00. I signed this that I agreed to no charges. I got a call today saying he wants $210.00 for the estimate. I went and tried to get my boat and he says he wants $210.00 cash or he won't give me my boat back. This is in Ingleside, Illinois. I'm filing a claim with Illinois Atty. General. but what would you do? I know if I give him $210.00 cash then he'll make me sign something saying I approved or he'll later say that he never got the cash and probably won't give me a receipt for it. I'm also thinking that if I don't pick it up and pay that he'll end up charging me a storage fee. I'm totally between a rock and a hard place and soooo tired of being taken because they know it would cost too much for a lawyer and so most people just pay. Please help. The police say it's a civil matter and won't help.
if you can get some thing from attorney general in writing, then take that to the police station and have them follow you to the place to force the owner to release the boat
Pay the $210.00 and move on...you might be able to get your money back in small claims court and there is only a small filing fee..but, a lot of garages today (marinas) charge an estimate fee...good luck..oh...get a RECEIPT..


Answers:
Pay the 210.00 and never go back again. It sucks - but believe me you won't regret it when your out on the water instead of being landlocked.
If you signed a paper that said you had to pay nothing, then prove it that way. It's your right as a customer to show your rights and you don't have to pay for charges they said it was going to be paid for. Also, if you get an attorney, show proof that you weren't charged in the first place if these people still want to be charged the $210.
Pay him and on the check in the memo line write 'under protest '. I know in New York you have the right to do this and still litigate . He can not make you sign anything stating you agree to the charges ,if he does write the same on your receipt , also be sure to get a receipt and while there if he gives you a hard time call the police , they will ensure you get your boat after payment of what he thinks he is owed in full. Good luck...