Florida Couple Sues Norseman Boatyard and Tri County Propeller After Catastrophic Engine Failure on Blue Noa
Jose Luis Cortesi and Lila Rodriguez, residents of Miami, Florida, have filed a maritime lawsuit against Norseman Boatyard, LLC and Tri County Propeller Services, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25860-JB, alleges that the defendants performed faulty propeller repairs on the plaintiffs’ 39-foot Tiara motor yacht, Blue Noa, leading to a violent engine malfunction and significant property damage while navigating Florida waters.
Yacht Owners Allege Improper Propeller Repair Caused Violent Engine Malfunction in Miami Navigable Waters
According to the allegations in the complaint, the plaintiffs entrusted Norseman Boatyard in May 2024 to inspect and repair the running gear on their vessel after the tips of the propeller blades were slightly bent in an unrelated incident. Before this service, the vessel’s twin Cummins diesel engines and propulsion systems were fully operational and capable of reaching wide-open throttle. Norseman allegedly assured the owners that the propellers could be returned to their original condition and subsequently subcontracted the specialized repair work to Tri County Propeller Services. The plaintiffs claim they paid over six thousand dollars for these services, believing the vessel had been restored to a seaworthy state.
Defendants Accused of Failing to Meet ISO Class Propeller Repair Standards and Manufacturer Specifications
The lawsuit asserts that the repair work performed by the defendants fell far below the standards expected of skilled marine professionals. While Tri County Propeller Services holds itself out as capable of performing high-level ISO Class I repairs, a subsequent independent inspection by a different facility allegedly revealed significant deviations in pitch, balance, and alignment. These deviations stood in stark contrast to the original specifications established by the propeller manufacturer and the boat builder. The complaint suggests that Norseman failed to properly supervise its subcontractor or inspect the finished product before returning the yacht to the owners, thereby breaching their duty of reasonable care and diligence.
Catastrophic Engine Failure During Sea Trial Put Passengers and Environment at Risk Near Biscayne Bay
The gravity of the alleged negligence became apparent during the vessel’s first sea trial following the repairs on June 23, 2024. As the Blue Noa moved from its home marina on the Miami River toward the open waters of Biscayne Bay, the starboard engine suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure shortly after reaching normal operating speeds. The plaintiffs describe the event as a violent malfunction that created an immediate risk of onboard fire and environmental damage. The vessel was forced to return to port using only its port engine, which resulted in dangerously limited maneuverability and further endangered the safety of everyone on board and other nearby vessels in the busy navigable channel.
Complaint Alleges Breach of Implied Warranty of Workmanlike Performance and Maritime Negligence
The legal action brings four counts against the defendants, including negligence, breach of the implied warranty of workmanlike performance, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment. The plaintiffs argue that as maritime service providers, the defendants owed a non-delegable duty to perform repairs with the skill and care necessary to maintain the vessel’s seaworthiness. By returning the yacht with inoperable and dangerous propellers, the defendants are alleged to have caused substantial property damage, high repair costs for the engines, and the total loss of use of the pleasure craft for several months. The owners seek recovery for all actual and consequential damages, including reimbursement for the initial improper repairs.
Contact a Maritime Property Damage Lawyer Today if Your Vessel Suffered Damage Due to Faulty Repairs
Boat owners who experience catastrophic engine failure or hull damage due to the negligence of a shipyard or repair facility may be entitled to compensation under federal admiralty law. Marine service providers have a legal obligation to ensure that all repairs to running gear, propulsion systems, and engines meet industry safety standards and manufacturer specifications. If you or someone you know has suffered significant financial loss or physical danger because of improper vessel maintenance or faulty maritime repairs, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of maritime law and protect your investment.
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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.
