Homeboy was carrying a tool box in an effort to get the motor off your boat. Good chance he had a fairly large wrench or hammer in there. If I was sitting on the Jury and you told me he held up the ratchet or breaker bar he was using, I would say you were in fear.

However, I think you made the right move by pursuing and not confronting. No one's life or safety was in immediate danger, and the confrontation could have gone any number of ways. Some of which involve you laying in a hospital bed, all of which likely involve you defending yourself in court.

Court fees + time > immediate justice

Not saying the system is right, but thats how it works.