It is alleged that multiple models of Malibu Boats, LLC, have a design defect in the bow seating area, making them prone to swamping. This may pose significant safety risks, including the risk of passengers being ejected from the boat.
The affected models include:
- 1986–2002 Sunsetter
- 1989–1994 Euro-f3 Sunsetter
- 1990–1993 Mystere 215LX Euro-f3
- 1993–1998 Echelon LX
- 1995–2014 Response LX
- 1998–2003 Sportster LX
- 1999–2006 Sunsetter LXi
- 2002–2007 Sunsetter (23) XTi
- 2003–2008 Sunsetter 21 XTi
- 2003–2011 Response LXi
In July 2023, Malibu Boats issued a safety advisory prohibiting passengers from occupying the bow area while the boat is in motion, effectively reducing the seating capacity of these models by two passengers. This advisory followed a tragic incident in which a passenger was washed out of the bow seating area, resulting in fatal injuries.
It is alleged that Malibu Boats was aware of these risks as early as 1996 but failed to disclose them to consumers until 2023. This has led to claims of diminished value, reduced functionality, and safety concerns for owners and lessees of the affected boats.
Your Legal Rights
If you purchased or leased any of the listed Malibu Boats models, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Undisclosed safety hazards
- Reduction in seating capacity and functionality
- Any injuries or damages resulting from this defect
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also selected our attorneys as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
We Want to Hear from You
If you purchased a Malibu Boat impacted by the July 2023 Safety Recall, you can contact the attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf by filling out the form on this page.