Class Action Lawsuit Accuses Safe Harbor Marinas of Deceptive Billing Practices

A national class action lawsuit has been filed against Safe Harbor Marinas, LLC and SHM Charleston Boatyard, LLC, accusing them of deceptive billing practices that allegedly inflated customer invoices with unauthorized charges. The lawsuit, representing Miami Charter Yacht, LLC and affected customers nationwide, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina Charleston Division.

The complaint alleges that Safe Harbor Marinas engaged in a 'bait-and-switch' scheme, adding improper charges to final bills unrelated to the work performed. Cristina Pierson, a partner at Kelley | Uustal, stated, 'We believe there are many more yacht owners who have been victims of this same overbilling scheme.' The lawsuit seeks damages, restitution, and injunctive relief for breaches of contract and violations of South Carolina's Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Safe Harbor Marinas operates 138 marinas across approximately 24 states, providing superyacht servicing and repairs. The lawsuit claims the company's deceptive practices were systematically implemented across its national network. Miami Charter Yacht's experience at Safe Harbor's Charleston facility, where its yacht was subjected to unauthorized surcharges and fees, is cited as an example of these practices.