Florida Shipyard Sues Owner of M/Y Pure Insanity After Yacht Accumulates Over $261,000 in Unpaid Repair and Dockage Fees
FLYHOPCO, LLC, a Florida company doing business as Bradford Marine, has initiated a maritime lien foreclosure and breach of contract lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 0:26-cv-60182-MD, targets the M/Y Pure Insanity, a 115-foot Baglietto motor yacht, and its owner, MY P.I. 1, LLC. The shipyard alleges that the vessel and its owners failed to pay for extensive necessaries, including repairs and dockage, provided at their Fort Lauderdale facility.
Bradford Marine Seeks Arrest of Baglietto Motor Yacht Pure Insanity to Satisfy Massive Maritime Lien
The dispute centers on a series of unpaid invoices for goods and services provided to the vessel at Bradford Marine’s facility on the New River in Broward County. According to the verified complaint, the plaintiff provided essential repairs, storage, and dockage to the M/Y Pure Insanity, which is a United States Coast Guard registered vessel. Under the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act, these services qualify as necessaries that give rise to a preferred maritime lien. The plaintiff asserts that because the vessel is currently located within the Southern District of Florida, the court has the authority to issue a warrant of arrest in rem, effectively seizing the yacht to secure the debt owed to the shipyard.
Lawsuit Alleges Delaware LLC Breached Maritime Contract by Failing to Pay for Yacht Repairs and Necessaries
In addition to the action against the ship itself, Bradford Marine is suing the corporate owner, MY P.I. 1, LLC, for breach of a maritime contract. The shipyard points to a Dockage and Repair Contract signed in September 2019 by James Leonardo, who acted as the manager and agent for the owner. The complaint alleges that the owner and its representatives had the authority to procure these services but failed to fulfill their financial obligations. The total outstanding balance cited in the filing is $261,495.12. The plaintiff claims that the terms of the signed agreement explicitly allow the shipyard to retain possession of the vessel until all charges are paid and to recover additional costs associated with collection efforts.
Shipyard Demands Foreclosure Sale of 115-Foot Motor Yacht and Recovery of High-Interest Penalties
The legal filing outlines a significant financial demand that extends beyond the base unpaid invoices. Bradford Marine is seeking to recover pre-judgment interest at a rate of 1.5 percent per month, which calculates to an annual percentage rate of 18 percent. Furthermore, the plaintiff is asking the court to allow them to credit bid the full amount of their judgment at a court-ordered Marshal’s sale of the vessel. This would allow the shipyard to potentially take ownership of the yacht if no third-party bidder offers enough to cover the debt. The lawsuit also seeks to recover all custodia legis expenses, which include the costs of the U.S. Marshal and substitute custodians required to maintain the vessel while it is under arrest.
Breach of Contract Claim Highlights Unpaid Invoices and Agency Authority in Fort Lauderdale Maritime Dispute
The complaint details the specific grounds for personal jurisdiction over the Delaware-based owner, noting that the company conducted business in Florida and entered into a contract that specifically consented to jurisdiction in Broward County. The plaintiff alleges that the boat owner’s failure to perform the required payment acts within the state constitutes a breach of contract under Florida law. By invoking Rule 9(h) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Bradford Marine is utilizing specialized admiralty procedures to resolve the claim. The shipyard maintains that they have fulfilled all conditions necessary to bring the suit and are now looking to the federal court to validate their lien as superior to any other potential claims or mortgages on the vessel.
Contact a Maritime Lien and Yacht Repair Dispute Lawyer if Your Vessel or Business Faces Legal Action
Marine service providers and vessel owners involved in high-stakes payment disputes regarding dockage, repairs, or maritime necessaries must navigate complex federal laws to protect their interests. Whether you are a shipyard seeking to enforce a maritime lien or a vessel owner defending against an arrest warrant, it is vital to understand the implications of the Commercial Instruments and Maritime Lien Act. If you are dealing with a breach of maritime contract or a vessel seizure in South Florida, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
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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.
