Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Safe Harbor Marinas Engaged in Deceptive Billing Practices

A national class action lawsuit has been filed against Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC and SHM Charleston Boatyard, LLC, alleging deceptive billing practices that inflated customer invoices with unauthorized charges. The lawsuit, representing Miami Charter Yacht, LLC and affected customers nationwide, claims the defendants engaged in a 'bait-and-switch' scheme, adding improper charges to final bills. Cristina Pierson, a partner at Kelley | Uustal, stated the lawsuit challenges Safe Harbor's pattern of deceptive charges and its coercive payment policy, which requires full payment before vessels can leave the marina.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, accuses Safe Harbor Marinas of systematically implementing these practices across its 138 marinas in approximately 24 states. The lawsuit seeks damages, restitution, and injunctive relief 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. Miami Charter Yacht's experience at Safe Harbor's Charleston facility, where its yacht's final bill was inflated with unauthorized fees, is cited as an example of the defendants' practices.

For more information, visit https://kelleyuustal.com/.