Boat owner alleges deceptive trade practice

A boat owner sued a service firm, alleging business practice violations, breach of implied warranty, negligence and misrepresentation.

Sean Whitehead filed a lawsuit Feb. 10 in Galveston County District Court against Land & Sea for allegedly defrauding him while under contract to service his 46-foot boat, the “Cherokee Chief”.

According to the complaint, Land & Sea presented Whitehead with a proposal Dec. 6, 2013, to re-power his boat for $152,145.38, and Whitehead paid two deposits to the defendant in January 2014. The suit states the defendant removed the engines and transmissions and placed the boat in dry dock.

According to the lawsuit, in April 2014, Williams began to experience problems with Land & Sea’s work. The suit states that the defendant knowingly charged and collected twice for the same work, and also presented bills to Williams father, who was not involved in the matter.

Williams alleges the boat fell into disrepair, incurring additional expenses.

He seeks reimbursement and compensation for attorney fees, expenses and costs. Williams is represented by Chuck Portz of Portz & Portz in Houston.

Galveston County District Court case number: 15-CV-0124-MHS