A national class action lawsuit has been filed against Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC, and SHM Charleston Boatyard, LLC, alleging deceptive billing practices that have unfairly inflated customer invoices. The lawsuit, represented by Kelley | Uustal along with co-counsel, claims that the defendants engaged in a ‘bait-and-switch’ scheme, adding unauthorized charges to final bills. This practice, described as part of a systematic approach across Safe Harbor’s 138 marinas in 24 states, has raised significant concerns about corporate accountability in the maritime services sector.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina Charleston Division, details how Miami Charter Yacht, LLC, experienced these practices firsthand. The company’s 76-foot San Lorenzo yacht, ‘Vasiliki,’ was subjected to unauthorized surcharges and fees during repairs in late 2024. This case exemplifies the alleged widespread deceptive practices that the lawsuit seeks to address, including breach of contract and violations of South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Cristina Pierson, a Partner at Kelley | Uustal, emphasized the coercive nature of Safe Harbor’s policies, particularly the ‘cash for splash’ policy, which requires customers to pay in full before their vessel can leave the marina. The lawsuit aims to secure damages, restitution, and injunctive relief for affected boat owners nationwide, spotlighting the need for transparency and fairness in maritime services billing practices.

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