Indiana Company Sues Yacht Owner in Miami Federal Court Over Unpaid Dockage and Marina Fees for M/Y Hooked On A Feeling
MMH Holdings, LLC, an Indiana-based company, has initiated a maritime lien foreclosure and breach of contract lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-21378-RKA, targets both the vessel M/Y Hooked On A Feeling, a 63.6-foot Viking yacht, and its owner, Gordon Mann. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants have failed to pay for essential marina services and dockage provided in Aventura, Florida, resulting in a significant outstanding balance that continues to grow as the vessel remains on the property.
Florida Marina Seeks Enforcement of Maritime Lien for Necessaries Against 63-Foot Viking Yacht
The dispute centers on a slip lease agreement for a boat slip located at 3601 NE 207th Street in Aventura. According to the verified complaint, Gordon Mann began leasing the slip from MMH Holdings in June 2025 for the purpose of in-water storage of the M/Y Hooked On A Feeling. The arrangement was later formalized in a written Waterways Marina Slip Lease Agreement on August 25, 2025. Under the terms of this dockage agreement, the plaintiff provided the vessel with a variety of maritime necessaries, including the berth itself, marina facilities, water, high-speed internet, and electricity. While the account was reportedly kept current for the first few months of the lease, the plaintiff alleges that payments ceased entirely around October 2025.
Yacht Owner Accused of Breach of Contract Following Nonpayment of Monthly Dockage and Utility Costs
In the in personam claim against Gordon Mann, MMH Holdings asserts that the owner materially breached the dockage agreement by failing to compensate the marina for the valuable services rendered to the vessel. The agreed-upon rates included a monthly dockage fee of $2,750.00, along with additional charges for water, internet, and metered electricity consumption. The complaint states that despite the marina fulfilling all its obligations under the contract, the defendant has wrongfully withheld payment. As of late February 2026, the plaintiff claims it is owed a principal amount of $16,838.00. Because the vessel remains in the slip, the plaintiff notes that the total debt is increasing daily, and they are seeking the recovery of these funds along with interest and administrative costs.
Plaintiff Requests Federal Arrest and Sale of M/Y Hooked On A Feeling to Satisfy Unpaid Maritime Debts
The lawsuit includes a formal request for the court to issue a warrant for the arrest of the M/Y Hooked On A Feeling. Under federal maritime law, specifically 46 U.S. Code § 31342, providing necessaries such as dockage to a vessel creates a maritime lien. MMH Holdings is moving to enforce this lien by asking the U.S. Marshals to take custody of the yacht. The plaintiff’s legal team is seeking a judgment that would allow the vessel, including its engines, tackle, and equipment, to be condemned and sold at a dynamic auction. The proceeds from such a sale would be used to satisfy the outstanding debt, as well as cover the costs of the arrest, custodial fees, and litigation expenses incurred by the marina.
Marina Lawsuit Highlights Legal Recourse for Unpaid Slip Fees and Vessel Maintenance Services
This case serves as a reminder of the powerful legal tools available to marina owners and service providers under admiralty jurisdiction when vessel owners fail to meet their financial obligations. The complaint emphasizes that the services provided were reasonable and in accordance with standard industry practices. Furthermore, the plaintiff asserts that they relied on the credit of the vessel when providing these services. Beyond the principal debt, the plaintiff is also seeking the recovery of reasonable attorney fees as permitted under the original dockage agreement, highlighting the escalating financial consequences for boat owners who default on marina contracts in the Southern District of Florida.
Contact a Maritime Lien and Yacht Dockage Dispute Lawyer if You Need Assistance with Unpaid Vessel Services
Marine service providers and vessel owners involved in disputes over unpaid dockage, repairs, or other necessaries should seek experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of federal maritime law. Whether you are seeking to enforce a maritime lien through a vessel arrest or defending against a breach of contract claim, understanding your rights under the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty and Maritime Claims is essential. Our team is available to help parties resolve maritime debt issues and ensure that contractual obligations are upheld in accordance with general maritime law and Florida statutes.
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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.
