England Ireland Find Havens
England Ireland Find Routes
Boat
Maintenance
Comfort
Operations
Safety
Other



Adjacent Haven SSEAdjacent Haven SE

Berthon Lymington Marina

Tides and tools
Overview





Berthon Lymington Marina is situated in Lymington, which lies on the south coast of England, immediately within the Western Solent. It is a large-scale marina integrated into the harbour town, which itself serves as a major sailing centre.

Berthon Lymington Marina is situated in Lymington, which lies on the south coast of England, immediately within the Western Solent. It is a large-scale marina integrated into the harbour town, which itself serves as a major sailing centre.

The well-protected harbour offers complete protection. Safe access is provided in all reasonable conditions, day or night, and the marina is accessible at any stage of the tide for most vessels.
Please note

The marina can become busy at peak times, so it is advisable to make arrangements in advance.




Be the first
to comment
Keyfacts for Berthon Lymington Marina
Facilities
Water hosepipe available alongsideWaste disposal bins availableDiesel fuel available alongsidePetrol available alongsideGas availableShop with basic provisions availableMini-supermarket or supermarket availableExtensive shopping available in the areaSlipway availableLaundry facilities availableShore power available alongsideShore based toilet facilitiesShowers available in the vicinity or by arrangementHot food available in the localityPublic house or wine bar in the areaMarked or notable walks in the vicinity of this locationCashpoint or bank available in the areaPost Office in the areaInternet café in the areaInternet via a wireless access point availableDoctor or hospital in the areaPharmacy in the areaChandlery available in the areaTrolley or cart available for unloading and loadingMSD (marine sanitation device) pump out facilitiesHaul-out capabilities via arrangementBoatyard with hard-standing available here; covered or uncoveredMarine engineering services available in the areaRigging services available in the areaElectronics or electronic repair available in the areaSail making or sail repair servicesBus service available in the areaTrain or tram service available in the areaBicycle hire available in the areaCar hire available in the areaTourist Information office availableHandicapped access supportedShore based family recreation in the area


Nature
Marina or pontoon berthing facilitiesQuick and easy access from open waterNavigation lights to support a night approachSailing Club baseUrban nature,  anything from a small town of more 5,000 inhabitants  to a large cityScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
Note: harbour fees may be charged

Protected sectors

Current wind over the protected quadrants
Minimum depth
2 metres (6.56 feet).

Approaches
5 stars: Safe access; all reasonable conditions.
Shelter
5 stars: Complete protection; all-round shelter in all reasonable conditions.



Last modified
May 27th 2025

Summary

A completely protected location with safe access.


Best time to enter or exit

The Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton Route location provides shoreline guidance and a tidal timer.
Facilities
Water hosepipe available alongsideWaste disposal bins availableDiesel fuel available alongsidePetrol available alongsideGas availableShop with basic provisions availableMini-supermarket or supermarket availableExtensive shopping available in the areaSlipway availableLaundry facilities availableShore power available alongsideShore based toilet facilitiesShowers available in the vicinity or by arrangementHot food available in the localityPublic house or wine bar in the areaMarked or notable walks in the vicinity of this locationCashpoint or bank available in the areaPost Office in the areaInternet café in the areaInternet via a wireless access point availableDoctor or hospital in the areaPharmacy in the areaChandlery available in the areaTrolley or cart available for unloading and loadingMSD (marine sanitation device) pump out facilitiesHaul-out capabilities via arrangementBoatyard with hard-standing available here; covered or uncoveredMarine engineering services available in the areaRigging services available in the areaElectronics or electronic repair available in the areaSail making or sail repair servicesBus service available in the areaTrain or tram service available in the areaBicycle hire available in the areaCar hire available in the areaTourist Information office availableHandicapped access supportedShore based family recreation in the area


Nature
Marina or pontoon berthing facilitiesQuick and easy access from open waterNavigation lights to support a night approachSailing Club baseUrban nature,  anything from a small town of more 5,000 inhabitants  to a large cityScenic location or scenic location in the immediate vicinity

Considerations
Note: harbour fees may be charged




Position and approaches
Expand to new tab or fullscreen

Haven position

50° 45.407' N, 001° 31.797' W

This is the head of 'E' pontoon the most seaward pontoon of the marina opposite the ferry terminal.

What is the initial fix?

The following Lymington Initial Fix will set up a final approach:
50° 44.130' N, 001° 30.215' W
This is on the 319½° T leading line and is adjacent to the seasonal spherical race buoy Fl.Y.4s. The leading line, which is fixed red by night, is marked by an 11-metre high metal column and a second column, 17 metres high, positioned 400 metres to the northwest on the outer edge of the river wall at Horn Reach.


What are the key points of the approach?

Refer to Western Approaches to the Solent Route location for appropriate navigational guidance. Approaches to the river are available in the Lymington Harbour Click to view haven entry.


Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Berthon Lymington Marina for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
  1. Lymington Harbour - 0.3 nautical miles SE
  2. Lymington Yacht Haven - 0.4 nautical miles SSE
  3. Keyhaven - 2.8 nautical miles SSW
  4. Hurst Road - 2.9 nautical miles SSW
  5. Yarmouth - 3.2 nautical miles SSE
  6. Totland Bay - 4.6 nautical miles S
  7. Newtown River Entrance - 4.8 nautical miles ESE
  8. Gins Farm - 4.8 nautical miles ENE
  9. Buckler's Hard - 4.9 nautical miles ENE
  10. Newtown River - 5.1 nautical miles ESE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
  1. Lymington Harbour - 0.3 miles SE
  2. Lymington Yacht Haven - 0.4 miles SSE
  3. Keyhaven - 2.8 miles SSW
  4. Hurst Road - 2.9 miles SSW
  5. Yarmouth - 3.2 miles SSE
  6. Totland Bay - 4.6 miles S
  7. Newtown River Entrance - 4.8 miles ESE
  8. Gins Farm - 4.8 miles ENE
  9. Buckler's Hard - 4.9 miles ENE
  10. Newtown River - 5.1 miles ESE
To find locations with the specific attributes you need try:

Resources search

Chart
Please use our integrated Navionics chart to appraise the haven and its approaches. Navionics charts feature in premier plotters from B&G, Raymarine, Magellan and are also available on tablets. Open the chart in a larger viewing area by clicking the expand to 'new tab' or the 'full screen' option.

Expand to new tab or fullscreen



What's the story here?
Berthon Lymington Marina
Image: Michael Harpur


Berthon Lymington Marina is situated on the southern edge of the historic market town of Lymington and Lymington Harbour, which lies immediately within The Solent's famed sailing waters. The town is located approximately three miles northeast of Hurst Point, alongside the Lymington River, which flows southward through salt marshes before reaching The Solent. The marina occupies a prime position on the west bank of the river, about 1½ miles from the entrance to the approach channel. It is the second marina encountered when proceeding upriver, located roughly 600 metres beyond the entrance to Lymington Yacht Haven, on the port (left) side, directly opposite the Wightlink car ferry terminal.


Berthon Lymington Marina generous space between pontoons
Image: Mike Faherty via CC BY-SA 2.0


Berthon Lymington Marina has 300 deep water berths for yachts of up to 45 metres (150 feet) in length overall (L.O.A.), with approximately 70 berths designated for visiting yachts. Access to the pontoons is via the Solent's most generously spaced fairways, facilitating easy manoeuvring. Given its popularity and peak periods, it is advisable to contact the marina in advance to arrange berthing. Berthon Lymington Marina can be reached at: VHF Ch 80. [Berthon Lymington Marina], Landline+44 1590 673312, E-mailmarina@berthon.co.uk.

Overnight Visitor rates [2025] are per foot of length over all (LOA):

  • • 25' - 32' £1.78 inc VAT

  • • 33' - 40' £1.80 inc VAT

  • • 41' - 44' £1.85 inc VAT

  • • 45' - 49' £1.87 inc VAT

  • • 50' - 59' £1.90 inc VAT

All berths include electricity at 16 amps. Further details on their rate page External link.

Lymington is accessible to most leisure vessels at all tide stages, although it is not an exceptionally deep harbour. The construction of a causeway in the eighteenth century reduced the river's scouring effect, resulting in shallowing. The continuous movement of the ferries helps maintain the lower channel's minimum depth at 2.4 metres chart datum, up to the entrance at Lymington Yacht Haven, and 2.2 metres chart datum, up to the ferry berth and Lymington Marina.


Love eOceanic? Get Even More with the App!

Unleash the full potential of maritime data with our full suite of resources and the world's most advanced suite of nautical tools.

The app delivers the complete eOceanic advantage, brought to life and perfectly engineered to empower you where it matters most: at sea.

Get the app External link
Welcome to the eOceanic Application System Video
How to get in?
Berthon Lymington Marina situates about 600 metres above the entrance
Image: Michael Harpur


The Western Approaches to the Solent Route location provides local navigational guidance. Approaches to the river are available in the Lymington Harbour Click to view haven entry.

Berthon Lymington Marina is located on the west bank, to port, 600 metres above the entrance, beyond the trots of fore and aft moorings and opposite the Wightlink car ferry terminal. The five pontoons extending from the shore are lettered 'A' to 'E', starting with 'E' and descending upriver.


Berthon Lymington Marina's position is at the head of the first 'E' pontoon
Image: Michael Harpur


Haven location Berth as directed by the Berthon Lymington Marina office.

Berthon Lymington Marina Marina Plan
Image: Michael Harpur



eOceanic’s App Objects:
eOceanic Objects specify the characteristics and precise locations of key seamarks and contact items in the water that are central to navigation within an area. While underway, the eOceanic App actively monitors these markers relative to your vessel's position, providing enhanced positioning and proactive hazard alerts at customisable ranges to meet your sailing needs.
You can navigate this area with confidence and ease, as eOceanic Objects in the App mark the hazards and seamarks noted above. Refer to the tutorial External link
Why visit here?
Berthon Lymington Marina received its name from Rev. Edward Lyon Berthon, 1813 -1899, an English inventor and clergyman.

From boyhood, Berthon was keenly interested in mechanical science. In 1834/35, at the age of 22, he made experiments in the propulsion of boats by a screw propeller. He was convinced that this propulsion was superior to the paddle wheel, which was in use at the time. But his model, a two-bladed propeller, was dismissed by the Admiralty as "a pretty toy which never would, and never could, propel a ship". Discouraged by the knock back, the young Berthon did not complete the patent. The idea was then left for Francis Smith to create a more successful version in 1838 that would change shipping forever. But that would not be the last of Berthon's inventions.


Edward Lyon Berthon, 1813 -1899
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


In 1841, Berthon worked on "Berthon's log", which was eventually tested on the Southampton to Jersey steamboats. However, the British Admiralty did not offer him any encouragement, and it remained uncompleted. He then began to design instruments to indicate the trim and rolling of boats at sea. Amid this, an important letter arrived that would lead him down a different pathway. He received the letter in 1850, five years after he was ordained, and after holding a curacy at Lymington, he was granted a living at Fareham. The letter was from the Reverend Clark, a survivor of the paddle steamer SS Orion. Orion struck a submerged rock and sank off Portpatrick Lighthouse, Scotland, on 18 June 1850, while en route from Liverpool to Glasgow, resulting in the loss of 41 of the 200 passengers on board. Reverend Clark described the incident in his 1851 book 'The wreck of the Orion, a Tribute of Gratitude' and he asked Berthon "can you not think of a way in which boats, enough for all on board, be stowed on a passenger steamer without inconvenience?" . Berthon was intrigued and turned his attention to lifeboat design.


The wreck of the Orion
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


This request led to his development of the 'Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat'. 'Berthon Boats', as they came to be known, were wooden-framed boats with double linings of canvas sectioned into two watertight envelopes. These envelopes assist in buoyancy and provide protection should the outer canvas be accidentally torn. When the prototype boat was demonstrated to Queen Victoria, the Prince Consort, the Princess Royal, and the Prince of Wales, the latter commented that a cannonball would go through it easily. Berthon enquired in return, 'what a cannonball would not go through', and the Queen was reportedly greatly amused.


Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


Despite initial scepticism, the Prince Consort commended it to the Royal Navy, but the Admiralty complained that there was nowhere to mount a gun. Nonetheless, the Royal Navy accepted a perfected design in 1873, and in less than a year, Berthon had received orders from the Admiralty for the boat to the value of £15,000. In 1877, in addition to ministering to his parish, Berthon began his company in Romsey, building the folding lifeboats and "other floating machines". After he died in 1899, his son Edward ran the business.


Berthon Boatyard in Lymington has traded continuously since 1877
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


The Berthon Boatyard in Lymington was established in 1877, and in 1918, the Berthon Boat Company moved here. The marina, opened in 1968, was one of the first yacht marinas built in the UK. To this day, it remains a boat yard with a workforce of 100 skilled craftsmen specialising in yacht refit and repair. The yard is so sought after that its first-rate service keeps the marina itself very busy.

Berthon Lymington Marina is one of the UK's best-run and most prestigious marinas. Visitors can expect a high standard and an enjoyable stay in Berthon Lymington Marina. Details of the marina's surrounds are covered in the Lymington HarbourClick to view haven entry.


What facilities are available?
The pontoons provide power and water. All domestic requirements, ice, Wi-Fi, launderette and highly acclaimed washrooms, can be found within the marina area. Diesel and unleaded petrol, including engine oils, 2-stroke oil and diesel additive, are available at the fuel bay at the head of pontoon Pier ‘C’, the second pontoon in from seaward. Gas cylinders are available at the Marina Reception and the town chandlers. The marina provides general waste disposal, and full recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil.

The marina has a large scale fully serviced boatyard that includes two hoists, 75 tonne boat hoist and a 20 tonne static crane. Berthon Boat Company has the facilities and wide range of specialist services, delivered by a highly skilled work force in excess of 100 + personnel, that can deal with any conceivable repair, maintenance item or refit a vessel could require. There is a choice of three large well stocked chandlers in the town area.

Excellent provisioning can be had from the Waitrose, Tesco and M&S on Lymington’s high street. Several banks will also be found close by with ATMs. The high street has hosted a market every Saturday since its first charter in the 13th Century. The market offers a variety of stalls that include fresh fruit and veg, fresh bread, meat, clothing and miscellaneous gifts. The town has a host of coffee shops, public houses and restaurants on the high street many of which offer free Wi-Fi. Lymington Town Sailing Club welcomes visiting yachtsmen to the Solent Room, with its extensive views over the western Solent. Royal Lymington Yacht Club welcomes visitors, using sail or power, from RYA-recognised clubs.

There is a regular half hourly train service from Lymington Pier and Town station to Brockenhurst. Brockenhurst is a mainline station that serves the South Coast with fast trains to London Waterloo Station. Southampton and Bournemouth International Airports are approximately 40 minutes away by road.

A very useful hourly summer Beach Bus runs from the Lymington Saltwater Baths, stopping at popular attractions such as Lepe Country Park, Exbury Gardens, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, to terminate at the Hythe Ferry. National Express operate coaches from Woking train station to Heathrow Airport, London - normally a half hourly service. There are a variety of tour bus services operating around the Lymington area.


Any security concerns?
The Marina is manned 24 Hours. Access to the marina and its facilities are controlled by access code. CCTV cameras are located throughout the marina, including car parks and shoreside.


With thanks to:
Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler. Photography Michael Harpur.







The Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat


About Berthon Lymington Marina

Berthon Lymington Marina received its name from Rev. Edward Lyon Berthon, 1813 -1899, an English inventor and clergyman.

From boyhood, Berthon was keenly interested in mechanical science. In 1834/35, at the age of 22, he made experiments in the propulsion of boats by a screw propeller. He was convinced that this propulsion was superior to the paddle wheel, which was in use at the time. But his model, a two-bladed propeller, was dismissed by the Admiralty as "a pretty toy which never would, and never could, propel a ship". Discouraged by the knock back, the young Berthon did not complete the patent. The idea was then left for Francis Smith to create a more successful version in 1838 that would change shipping forever. But that would not be the last of Berthon's inventions.


Edward Lyon Berthon, 1813 -1899
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


In 1841, Berthon worked on "Berthon's log", which was eventually tested on the Southampton to Jersey steamboats. However, the British Admiralty did not offer him any encouragement, and it remained uncompleted. He then began to design instruments to indicate the trim and rolling of boats at sea. Amid this, an important letter arrived that would lead him down a different pathway. He received the letter in 1850, five years after he was ordained, and after holding a curacy at Lymington, he was granted a living at Fareham. The letter was from the Reverend Clark, a survivor of the paddle steamer SS Orion. Orion struck a submerged rock and sank off Portpatrick Lighthouse, Scotland, on 18 June 1850, while en route from Liverpool to Glasgow, resulting in the loss of 41 of the 200 passengers on board. Reverend Clark described the incident in his 1851 book 'The wreck of the Orion, a Tribute of Gratitude' and he asked Berthon "can you not think of a way in which boats, enough for all on board, be stowed on a passenger steamer without inconvenience?" . Berthon was intrigued and turned his attention to lifeboat design.


The wreck of the Orion
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


This request led to his development of the 'Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat'. 'Berthon Boats', as they came to be known, were wooden-framed boats with double linings of canvas sectioned into two watertight envelopes. These envelopes assist in buoyancy and provide protection should the outer canvas be accidentally torn. When the prototype boat was demonstrated to Queen Victoria, the Prince Consort, the Princess Royal, and the Prince of Wales, the latter commented that a cannonball would go through it easily. Berthon enquired in return, 'what a cannonball would not go through', and the Queen was reportedly greatly amused.


Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


Despite initial scepticism, the Prince Consort commended it to the Royal Navy, but the Admiralty complained that there was nowhere to mount a gun. Nonetheless, the Royal Navy accepted a perfected design in 1873, and in less than a year, Berthon had received orders from the Admiralty for the boat to the value of £15,000. In 1877, in addition to ministering to his parish, Berthon began his company in Romsey, building the folding lifeboats and "other floating machines". After he died in 1899, his son Edward ran the business.


Berthon Boatyard in Lymington has traded continuously since 1877
Image: CC0 1.0 Universal


The Berthon Boatyard in Lymington was established in 1877, and in 1918, the Berthon Boat Company moved here. The marina, opened in 1968, was one of the first yacht marinas built in the UK. To this day, it remains a boat yard with a workforce of 100 skilled craftsmen specialising in yacht refit and repair. The yard is so sought after that its first-rate service keeps the marina itself very busy.

Berthon Lymington Marina is one of the UK's best-run and most prestigious marinas. Visitors can expect a high standard and an enjoyable stay in Berthon Lymington Marina. Details of the marina's surrounds are covered in the Lymington HarbourClick to view haven entry.

Other options in this area


Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Alternatively here are the ten nearest havens available in picture view:
Coastal clockwise:
Lymington Yacht Haven - 0.2 miles SSE
Keyhaven - 1.8 miles SSW
Hurst Road - 1.8 miles SSW
Christchurch Bay - 4.7 miles WSW
Christchurch Harbour - 5.8 miles W
Coastal anti-clockwise:
Lymington Harbour - 0.2 miles SE
Gull Island - 3.4 miles ENE
Gins Farm - 3 miles ENE
Buckler's Hard - 3 miles ENE
Ashlett - 5.3 miles ENE

Navigational pictures


These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for Berthon Lymington Marina.
























The Berthon Collapsible Lifeboat



A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that show this haven and its identifiable features at its best. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.


Add your review or comment:

Please log in to leave a review of this haven.



Please note eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, we have not visited this haven and do not have first-hand experience to qualify the data. Although the contributors are vetted by peer review as practised authorities, they are in no way, whatsoever, responsible for the accuracy of their contributions. It is essential that you thoroughly check the accuracy and suitability for your vessel of any waypoints offered in any context plus the precision of your GPS. Any data provided on this page is entirely used at your own risk and you must read our legal page if you view data on this site. Free to use sea charts courtesy of Navionics.