Berthon Boatyard

Berthon Boatyard's history began in Romsey in 1877 with Rev. E.L. Berthon building collapsible lifeboats, later bought by the May family in 1917 who merged it with their Lymington shipyard, creating a major marine business known for innovation, wartime service, and now yacht refit and marina services, remaining a family-run enterprise for generations. 

Early Days & The Collapsible Boat (1877 - 1917)

• Founder: The company was founded in Romsey by clergyman and inventor Rev. Edward Lyon Berthon, who developed a groundbreaking collapsible lifeboat, crucial for ships.

• Early Production: Berthon built hundreds of these collapsible boats for the Navy, Army, and passenger ships, proving their lifesaving value.