National Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Safe Harbor Marinas for Deceptive Billing Practices

Kelley | Uustal, alongside co-counsel Anastasia Palivos, Mark Tanenbaum, and Dick Harpootlian, has initiated a national class action lawsuit against Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC and SHM Charleston Boatyard, LLC. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, accuses the defendants of deceptive practices, including unauthorized 'add on' charges to customer invoices, a tactic described as 'bait-and-switch'. Cristina Pierson, a Partner at Kelley | Uustal, highlights the coercive nature of the defendants' 'cash for splash' policy, which demands full payment before releasing a vessel. The lawsuit aims to secure damages and restitution for affected boat owners nationwide, with the belief that many more victims of overbilling exist.

Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC, operating 138 marinas across 24 states, is accused of systematically implementing these deceptive practices nationwide. The plaintiff, Miami Charter Yacht, LLC, experienced these practices firsthand when their yacht, the 'Vasiliki', was subjected to unauthorized surcharges during repairs. The lawsuit seeks justice for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, unjust enrichment, and violation of South Carolina's Unfair Trade Practices Act. Kelley | Uustal, known for its expertise in catastrophic injury and complex commercial litigation, represents the plaintiffs in this significant legal battle.