No. 164 | 2d Cir. | Mar 7, 1910
The respondent employed the libelant to alter and repair his yacht Privateer for the sum of $12,850. The contract was in writing and the work was to be done pursuant, to carefully prepared and definite specifications. The respondent, undoubtedly having in mind the fate of all who attempt to alter or repair existing structures, whether on land or sea, endeavored by the most stringent written stipulations to protect himself from the apparently inevitable and always exasperating claims for “extra work” which seem inseparable from contracts of this character. It was expressly agreed that the libelant—
“should make no claim for extra work and compensation therefor, in addition to the contract price, as hereinafter specified, unless he can show an order for the work, the written approval of the designers, and the price of such work, all in writing; and no verbal agreement and order of any of the parties hereto or their agents shall be set forth by either party hereto to modify this danse, and no waiver of this danse not made in writing and signed by the parties shall be of any force or effect whatever.”
It is difficult to understand how stronger and more explicit language could he used. That it had no deterrent effect upon the libelant is evidenced by the fact that with the contract providing for $12,850, claims for extra work based upon “verbal agreements” were made amounting to $20,879. In such circumstances, as is clearly pointed out by the District Judge, the explicit terms of the written agreement should not he disregarded except upon proof so clear and convincing as to leave no doubt as to the intention of the parties to waive them and substitute an oral agreement therefor.
Except in one instance, which will be considered hereafter, the testimony falls far short of establishing a waiver. The mere fact that the respondent was frequently present during the period when the repairs were being made, consulted with the libelant’s employés and made suggestions which resulted in changes, is not enough to warrant a finding of even an implied agreement to waive the express terms of the contract. Extra work to the amount of $8,185 was ordered by the respondent and approved in writing as required by the contract. This sum he paid without demur. There is no pretense that the items in controversy were ever agreed to in writing; indeed, there is no proof, as to these items, that in the various discussions as to proposed changes the respondent was notified that any claim for extras would be made.
That the respondent is not endeavoring to make use of the terms of the contract to avoid paying his just obligations is evidenced by the fact that he has only excepted to a few of the many items presented, on the ground that a written order has not been shown. It is unnecessary to review the various items in detail. It is sufficient to say that we agree with the District Judge in his disposition of them.
Regarding the item for “making and installing sanitary tank, $333.-53,” the testimony indicates that the installation of the tank was made necessary because of conditions for which the libelant was not responsible and that it was ordered by the respondent with full knowledge of the circumstances and to prevent the annoyance and loss ©f time to himself and family of docldng the yacht. The valves which had been put in pursuant to the architects’ design made an objectionable noise when the vessel was in a sea way and it was to obviate this defect, which cannot be fairly attributed to the libelant, that the tank was installed. This work was not done until July, when practically all the contract work had been completed. It was ordered by the respondent and may fairly be regarded as a new contract to remedy a defective construction which, though approved by the architects, did not satisfy the respondent and his family. In short, the libelant was not to blame for the original construction and should not be required to pay for an improvement which the respondent desired for his own comfort.
The decree should be modified by adding thereto the above item of $333.53 and interest, and, as so modified, it is affirmed with costs of this court to the appellee.