Help. My boat was damaged at my marina dock

[Vinman117]

I need some advise. Last Thursday while I was pulling my Yamaha jet boat into my marina, the deck hand took the bow line and as it made contact with dock, I heard a loud scratching sound on the port side of the boat. Upon inspection, the boat had a four inch gouge mark into the gel coat and fiberglass in front of my side bumper and the dock had exposed raw wood and screws protruding where the docks rubber siding/bumpers use to be. The management was made aware on the situation.
Today, I placed a follow up call to management inquiring when my boat will be repaired. Apparently, management believes it’s not the marinas responsibility because their employee was not operating the boat. I pay a nice penny to store my boat monthly and I expected that the docks should be maintained in proper working order when I signed the contract.
Who do you believe is liable for the repair of my boat? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
I only have a pic of the dock right now.

 

[the MfM]

It’s on you, Captain.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

I recall some law about who ever throws the line is responsible when towing a boat but dock line ??? look it up as the people collecting money for a service are responsible for any damage or personal injury if they knew or should have known there was an issue that they neglected or ignored

 

[Vinman117]

It’s on you, Captain.

Thanks. Not exactly what I wanted to hear ?????

 

[Vinman117]

I recall some law about who ever throws the line is responsible when towing a boat but dock line ??? look it up as the people collecting money for a service are responsible for any damage or personal injury if they knew or should have known there was an issue that they neglected or ignored

Thanks Jeff. I’ll do some more research. Just trying to get some feedback.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

When in doubt speak to a lawyer in your area. example here my son parked his car in a parking lot open to the public for a Winn Dixie store one of their light poles fell on top of his car doing heavy damage, I took pictures of the severe disrepair of the other poles in the parking lot and one other that had fallen down and been removed the place was a disaster in that respect and posed a serious threat to unsuspecting customers persons and property came down to negligence , they paid for the damage and replaced the other polls I also had my son make a police report to make a record of it when it happened.

 

[Vinman117]

The marina just changed hands so I’ll wait to see what the new owners have to say. My insurance will cover it if the marina doesn’t.

 

[adrianp89]

I’d consult with a lawyer. $250 for him to write a letter usually does the trick. Their lawyer will cost more than the repair.

 

[Vinman117]

I’d consult with a lawyer. $250 for him to write a letter usually does the trick. Their lawyer will cost more than the repair.

I know the repair isn’t that costly. It’s just the principal. Thanks.

 

[adrianp89]

I know the repair isn’t that costly. It’s just the principal. Thanks.

I can’t see the damage but if it’s down to the fiberglass it’s usually $500-$1000 minimum.

 

[the MfM]

Sounds like it’s time to call in the expert on lawyers.

@swatski

 

[scokill]

If they won't cover it then you just have to decide to go on a crusade or not. The crusade would be time, effort, energy, or perhaps cost in hiring a lawyer. Small claims court is also an option but it appears you might be on shaky ground.

 

[marcham]

Get it fixed, enjoy your summer, deal with who pays what later... summer is very short!

Did you have bumpers out? Did you throw him the line or did he take it? I'd skip insurance or claims and take it as a lesson....

 

[Vinman117]

When in doubt speak to a lawyer in your area. example here my son parked his car in a parking lot open to the public for a Winn Dixie store one of their light poles fell on top of his car doing heavy damage, I took pictures of the severe disrepair of the other poles in the parking lot and one other that had fallen down and been removed the place was a disaster in that respect and posed a serious threat to unsuspecting customers persons and property came down to negligence , they paid for the damage and replaced the other polls I also had my son make a police report to make a record of it when it happened.

Thanks for your response. It’s still early so I’ll wait a few days to see if the owners respond.

 

[Vinman117]

I can’t see the damage but if it’s down to the fiberglass it’s usually $500-$1000 minimum.

It was one of those that I thought my wife took a pic and she thought I did ?? I’ll get a few pics when we take the boat out this week. Thanks.

 

[Vinman117]

If they won't cover it then you just have to decide to go on a crusade or not. The crusade would be time, effort, energy, or perhaps cost in hiring a lawyer. Small claims court is also an option but it appears you might be on shaky ground.

I’m retired and have plenty of time to share my story on social media but why waste the time. It’s just about doing the right thing by the marina. Their docks are in need of repair and the old owners didn’t want to do anything knowing they selling. Hopefully the new owners are descent. Thanks.

 

[Vinman117]

Get it fixed, enjoy your summer, deal with who pays what later... summer is very short!

Did you have bumpers out? Did you throw him the line or did he take it? I'd skip insurance or claims and take it as a lesson....

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

 

[Vinman117]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks.

My bumpers were out and my wife threw the line to the employee. They had no protection over the raw wood. Just the exposed screws.

 

[the MfM]

Rule No. 1: Never approach the dock faster than you are willing to hit it.

https://www.boatingmag.com/how-to/10-simple-rules-better-docking/

 

[Vinman117]

I understand that, but I would also expect the dock/Marina that I pay money to has the proper protection covering the raw wood and exposed screws. I wasn’t traveling fast. I was traveling fast enough to maintain control in a jet boat.