Florida Yacht Services Company Sues to Foreclose Maritime Lien on 44’ Aquila Motor Yacht “Little Lebowski”
Yacht Management South Florida, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale-based vessel services company, has filed a maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against the motor yacht Little Lebowski, formerly known as Kismet. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-61388-DSL, seeks to foreclose a maritime lien for $43,593.00 in unpaid invoices following extensive mechanical and electrical services performed on the vessel.
Yacht Management South Florida Alleges Unpaid Labor and Repairs on 2020 Aquila Motor Yacht in Fort Lauderdale
According to the verified complaint, Yacht Management entered into a maritime services contract on March 6, 2025, with Alabama-based Turn Key Homes, LLC for labor and materials to be provided aboard the Little Lebowski, a 2020 44-foot Aquila motor yacht. The complaint alleges that Coby Lake, a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, personally agreed to be bound by the terms of the contract, making both Lake and Turn Key Homes personally liable.
Yacht Management claims it performed high-quality and necessary services on the vessel, including substantial electrical and mechanical repairs. The services were allegedly rendered with authorization from both Turn Key Homes and Coby Lake, and were provided on the credit of the vessel itself. Despite multiple requests for payment, the company states that no payment was ever received.
Fort Lauderdale Maritime Services Firm Seeks Foreclosure Against Yacht for Over $43,000 in Outstanding Invoices
The complaint seeks to foreclose on a maritime lien for necessaries under 46 U.S.C. § 31342 and Rule C of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims. Yacht Management argues that it has a valid and enforceable lien on the Little Lebowski, including its engines, equipment, furnishings, and appurtenances, and requests that the court order the vessel condemned and sold to satisfy the outstanding balance.
In addition to foreclosure, the lawsuit brings breach of maritime contract claims against both Turn Key Homes and Coby Lake in personam, each of whom allegedly agreed to the terms of the original written contract and failed to honor the obligation to pay for the work performed. The company further asserts that damages are ongoing as storage, insurance, and utility costs continue to accrue during the pendency of the action.
Complaint Seeks Attorney’s Fees and Court-Ordered Vessel Sale to Satisfy Maritime Lien
Yacht Management seeks recovery of the full $43,593.00 balance, plus prejudgment interest, costs, and attorney’s fees. The company also requests court authorization to bid the amount of the lien at any judicial sale of the Little Lebowski and asks that any competing claims to the vessel be adjudicated in the same action.
The verified complaint was signed by Joshua Kerrigan, President of Yacht Management South Florida, and filed with supporting documentation, including the original contract and unpaid invoices.
Enforcement of Maritime Liens in Florida Remains Crucial for Vessel Service Providers and Shipyards
This case highlights the importance of maritime liens as a tool for service providers, shipyards, and marine contractors to secure payment for essential labor and materials furnished to vessels. Under U.S. admiralty law, providers of “necessaries” have the right to assert a lien directly against a vessel and pursue in rem foreclosure to recover unpaid debts—even in cases involving out-of-state vessel owners or operators.
If you are owed money for work performed on a vessel, or need to assert a maritime lien in Florida or elsewhere, our legal team can assist with lien enforcement and vessel foreclosure actions.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime lien and vessel foreclosure attorney.
