Yacht Charter Lawsuit Targets Alabama Company Over $14K Debt and Vessel Lien
Case Style: Abaco Yacht & Charter Services, LLC v. Turn Key Homes, LLC & M/Y Little Lebowski
Case No.: 0:25-cv-60656
Filed: April 2, 2025
Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (in admiralty)
Plaintiff: Abaco Yacht & Charter Services, LLC (Florida)
Defendants: In personam: Turn Key Homes, LLC (Alabama); In rem: M/Y Little Lebowski, a 2020 44’ Aquila Motor Yacht
Abaco Yacht Sues for Maritime Lien Foreclosure on 44’ Aquila Yacht After Alleged Breach of Charter Contract
Allegations:
- On November 26, 2024, Turn Key Homes contracted Abaco to manage and charter the vessel M/Y Little Lebowski.
- The contract obligated Turn Key Homes to pay for all maintenance and repair expenses.
- Abaco performed the agreed services, submitted invoices totaling $14,746.43, and received no payment.
- The vessel allegedly departed the jurisdiction before final payment.
- A maritime lien for necessaries was filed with the U.S. Coast Guard on March 7, 2025.
Maritime Contract Breach & Lien Foreclosure
Count I – Breach of Maritime Contract
- Plaintiff alleges Turn Key Homes violated a binding charter and management agreement by failing to pay for maintenance services.
Count II – Foreclosure of Maritime Lien
- Plaintiff asserts a lien for “necessaries” under 46 U.S.C. § 31342, which allows service providers to recover debts by asserting a maritime lien directly against the vessel.
- The complaint seeks judicial sale of the vessel and permission to credit-bid the lien amount.
Procedural Maneuvers:
- The suit invokes Rule C of the Supplemental Admiralty Rules, which allows in rem arrest of a vessel subject to maritime liens.
- Plaintiff requests issuance of process against the yacht and all claimants to its ownership.
Trend & Policy Impact: Rise in Lien Foreclosures for Charter Disputes
This case reflects an increasing trend of maritime service providers enforcing payment through lien foreclosure, especially in the charter industry where:
- Out-of-state vessel owners often contract with local managers.
- Yacht usage continues while vendors remain unpaid.
- Federal admiralty law offers stronger remedies than state contract claims, including vessel arrest and sale.
Similar Legal Precedents:
- Courts have consistently upheld maritime liens for repairs, maintenance, and management services.
- The ability to foreclose on the vessel itself provides leverage to ensure payment, particularly in transient maritime assets like yachts and charter boats.
Broader Implications for Vessel Owners & Charter Operators
- Owners must ensure payment obligations are met to avoid costly vessel seizure or foreclosure.
- Charter companies and maritime service providers should document all services clearly and promptly file liens if payments are delayed.
- In rem jurisdiction allows for powerful remedies unavailable in land-based contract disputes.
📞 Call Today
If you operate a maritime business and are owed money for vessel-related services, you may have lien rights under federal maritime law.
Consult a maritime attorney to explore lien enforcement and vessel seizure remedies under admiralty jurisdiction.
