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Maryland Boat Owner Sues MarineMax Over Yacht Submersion and Repair Failures
The case Bijan Manesh v. MarineMax East, Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21180) involves a maritime negligence and breach of contract lawsuit filed by Bijan Manesh, a resident of Maryland, against MarineMax East, Inc., a Florida-based yacht dealership and service provider. The lawsuit alleges that MarineMax’s improper repairs and negligent advice led to the partial submersion of Manesh’s yacht, M/Y NOOR, causing severe damage and financial losses.
Background of the Case
On November 23, 2020, Manesh purchased a 2019 Galeon 485 HTS motor yacht from MarineMax, which also served as the authorized service provider for the vessel. Between 2020 and 2023, MarineMax performed multiple repairs and maintenance services on the yacht, including work on the bilge pumping systems, high water alarm, and air conditioning systems.
In October 2022, Manesh contracted MarineMax for additional maintenance, specifically to repair:
- Bilge pumping systems that were not activating properly.
- Air conditioning raw water strainer and seacock valve, which were showing signs of excessive wear and blockage.
MarineMax completed the repairs and charged Manesh $17,318.47, assuring him that the vessel was in proper working condition.
The Incident: Yacht Partially Submerges Due to Failed Repairs
On August 20, 2023, Manesh’s yacht, M/Y NOOR, was found partially submerged at its slip in North Bay Village, Florida. Investigations revealed that the engine room bilge pump failed to activate automatically, allowing water intrusion from a corroded air conditioning pump to flood the vessel. Additionally, the engine room high water alarm failed to sound, preventing early detection of the flooding.
A marine surveyor and electrical engineer later found that:
- Bilge pump float switches were corroded and disconnected, preventing automatic activation.
- High water alarm connections were unsealed and rusted, rendering it inoperative.
- MarineMax had improperly installed electrical connections, failing to seal critical wiring components.
Allegations Against MarineMax
Manesh’s lawsuit accuses MarineMax of multiple failures, including:
1. Breach of Contract
- MarineMax failed to deliver a seaworthy vessel after being paid for repairs.
- The company used unqualified technicians and improper tools, leading to corroded and faulty electrical connections.
- MarineMax failed to detect and repair the compromised factory junction box for the bilge pump.
2. Breach of the Implied Warranty of Workmanlike Performance
- MarineMax warranted that it would perform proper and professional repairs, but the work was substandard.
- The company did not properly seal electrical connections, exposing them to water damage.
- MarineMax failed to inspect or replace corroded components that later failed and led to the yacht’s submersion.
3. Maritime Negligence
- MarineMax’s negligent advice caused further damage after the submersion. A MarineMax service manager instructed Manesh to replace the batteries and attempt to restart the engines, which caused irreversible engine damage, requiring full engine replacements.
- Improper repairs led to complete failure of safety-critical systems, putting the vessel at risk.
- MarineMax’s failure to maintain the vessel properly resulted in over $317,000 in damages to the yacht.
Legal and Financial Consequences
As a result of MarineMax’s alleged failures, Manesh incurred substantial financial losses, including:
- $317,434.90 in repair costs, including new engines and electrical system overhauls.
- Extended repair time, leaving the vessel out of commission until February 2025.
- Additional damages incurred while the yacht was in MarineMax’s custody, requiring further repairs.
What’s Next?
This case will likely focus on:
- Whether MarineMax’s failure to properly complete repairs constitutes negligence and breach of contract.
- If MarineMax’s history of similar repair failures can establish a pattern of substandard service.
- The role of maritime repair warranties in ensuring service providers are held accountable for poor workmanship.