Berthon repairs, refits and builds boats that are used around the world in a diverse range of roles including pilotage, Search & Rescue and security & defence for both public & private sector clients.
Trading continuously since 1877, Berthon’s boatyard forms part of the 40,468 sq/m site, which includes engineering workshops, spotlessly clean undercover heated sheds, paint booths and boat moving equipment. With direct access to the Solent and the English Channel, sea trials can be undertaken in both sheltered or open waters at all states of tide. Boats can be shipped overseas direct from nearby Southampton Water.
Project Management & Administration
Berthon’s project management offices overlook the main floor of M-Shed. This means our managers are linked to the refit projects at all times, and workers have direct access to managers for decision-making. Berthon maintains owner/operator office space that allows clients access to on-site office facilities, should they require a presence whilst projects are ongoing. The accounts and administration offices are also located within the M-shed building.
M-Shed (2,578 sq/m) & West Solent Shed (1,154 sq/m)
Both M-Shed and the West Solent Shed are fitted with mezzanine floors providing easy and safe access to boats. Berthon’s separate workshops for shipwrights, engineers, electricians and riggers are adjacent to projects and production lines. All project managers and skilled employees have DECT phones and Microsoft Teams for effective and timely communication.
Paint (P) Shed (1,149sq/m)
Berthon has a large, modern paint facility. The main glossing booth is flanked by two similar sized preparation booths, with a smaller component spray booth adjacent, allowing both hulls and minor items to be painted with air flow, temperatures and curing times adhering to the paint manufacturer’s specific guidelines.
Shipwrights' Workshop
The shipwrights’ workshop is located on the 1st floor adjacent to M-Shed. It provides the full range of facilities and machinery for boat maintenance, refit, and repair, including woodworking and GRP lamination. In addition, there is a range of air-powered and electric hand tools available.
Berthon employs shipwrights who carry out the full range of boat construction, general fit-out, composite laminating and joinery work.
Marine Engineering Workshop
The engineering workshop is located on the ground floor adjacent to M-Shed. It contains a comprehensive range of machinery used for metalwork, machining, engine stripping and equipment repair. The machine shop equipment includes a lathe, milling machine, drilling machines, band saws, cross-cut saw, planer, grinders and polishers. Metalworking facilities include a plasma cutter, plate folder, plate roller, and hydraulic tube bender. Welding facilities include MIG and TIG for aluminium, stainless steel, and arc welding for steel. In addition, there is the full range of air-powered and electric hand tools available.
Berthon employs marine engineers to carry out mechanical fit-outs, pipe fitting and plumbing, engine servicing and repairs and fabrication and welding on boats in build or in refit or repair.
Electrical Workshop
The electrical workshop is located on the ground floor adjacent to M-Shed. Electrician’s equipment and tools include insulation resistance and continuity testers, multimeters, socket testers, battery testers, battery chargers, battery drop testers and soldering equipment. They also have access to an engraving machine and label printer. In addition, the workshop is equipped with a pillar drill, rivet gun, crimpers and other tools.
Berthon employs skilled and experienced marine electricians qualified in 12/24V DC and 240V AC electrical systems. Work ranges from complete installations, re-wires, modifications and repairs to boats electrical circuits, to the installation of electronic navigation and communication equipment.
Logistics - transport & delivery
Berthon offers an experienced delivery service for private, commercial and defence clients, underpinned by excellent logistics. We offer boat transport worldwide via expert shipping partners, or alternatively, finished boats can be delivered by sea on their hulls by our qualified skippers and crew.
In-service support-maintenance & repair
Berthon provides vital in-service maintenance support and repair services to private, commercial and defence sectors. This involves everything from sourcing parts, design consultancy, planned maintenance, routine servicing and repairs, through to major life extension refit programmes where minimising downtime is an absolute priority.
