Canadian Yacht Owner Sues Florida Marina and Insurer Over Botched $900K Paint Job and Docking Damage to 128-Foot Superyacht
Voile Partners LP, a Canadian yacht ownership group based in Miami-Dade County, has filed a maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Florida-based marina operator Bradford Marine and insurance provider AIG Property Casualty Company. The case, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-61694-RS, stems from two separate incidents involving alleged defective repairs and a berthing failure that damaged the luxury vessel M/Y Our Way, a 1997, 128-foot Palmer Johnson motor yacht.
Superyacht Owner Alleges Bradford Marine Performed Defective and Substandard Hull and Exterior Paint Work
According to the complaint, Voile Partners entered into a dockage and repair contract with Bradford Marine in January 2023. The agreement involved extensive repainting of the yacht’s hull, superstructure, and exterior surfaces, including corrosion removal, dent repair, sanding, priming, and application of Awlcraft acrylic paint in accordance with industry standards.
However, after completion and full payment of the contract—reportedly over $900,000—Voile Partners alleges the work was riddled with major defects. The complaint lists numerous deficiencies, including:
- Corrosion blisters and improper surface prep
- Fisheyes and orange peel texture
- Uneven paint thickness and visible sagging
- Dust inclusions, bleeding tape lines, and painting over hardware
- Paint drips and visible tape marks in same-color areas
Despite repeated complaints and multiple rework attempts by Bradford Marine, the yacht owner claims the vessel was never delivered in an acceptable, workmanlike condition. The defects, according to the suit, require extensive remediation and have significantly diminished the yacht’s value.
Docking Error During Storm Allegedly Caused Radar Mast to Strike Concrete Roof at Bradford Marine Facility
In a separate but related incident, the complaint alleges that on April 12–13, 2024, the M/Y Our Way was docked by Bradford Marine in a slip with insufficient vertical clearance. Heavy rainfall caused the New River to rise approximately four feet, resulting in the yacht’s mast striking the concrete roof above the berth.
The damage included crushing of radar equipment, antennas, domes, and structural elements atop the yacht. AIG, as the vessel’s insurer, paid $239,921.33 to cover the loss and subsequently filed a subrogation claim against Bradford Marine in July 2024, asserting the marina negligently docked the vessel in an unsafe slip.
Bradford’s own surveyor documented damage to the radar arch, boom, satellite domes, mast, and ventilation systems. Voile Partners is now seeking clarification that the insurance settlement and subrogation release signed by AIG do not affect the yacht owner’s separate claims related to the defective paint job.
Yacht Owner Seeks Declaratory Judgment That Release of Damage Claim Does Not Bar Paint Defect Lawsuit
In addition to breach of maritime contract and breach of implied warranty of workmanlike performance, Voile Partners is seeking a declaratory judgment against both defendants. The complaint argues that the April 2025 Release Agreement signed by AIG to settle the berthing incident claim does not extend to claims over Bradford Marine’s defective paint work.
Voile contends that:
- The areas of the yacht damaged in the berthing incident were distinct from the areas affected by the substandard paint job.
- The release did not intend to waive future claims for defective workmanship.
- AIG did not have actual or apparent authority to release those paint-related claims on Voile’s behalf.
The lawsuit alleges Bradford Marine is now incorrectly claiming that the release agreement extinguishes all liability, including for the defective paint services. Voile seeks a court ruling to confirm the release applies only to the storm damage subrogation claim.
Marina Contractors Must Meet High Standards in Superyacht Repairs Under Maritime Law
Luxury vessel owners entrust marine service providers with performing repairs to exacting standards. When workmanship falls below industry expectations, or when facilities fail to protect vessels during docking, maritime law provides remedies for owners—including breach of contract and warranty claims. If a contractor’s negligence results in financial loss or diminished vessel value, yacht owners may seek compensation under admiralty jurisdiction.
Contact us now if you are a yacht owner facing repair disputes, defective marine workmanship, or insurance-related conflicts involving marina facilities or shipyards.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
