Nestled on a sheltered bend of the historic Hamble River, Deacons Boat Yard Ltd. has been a cornerstone of the British marine industry for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a repair facility to its significant role in yacht production and its current status as a comprehensive marina and service hub, Deacons' story is one of resilience, adaptation, and an enduring commitment to the boating community.
The Origin Story
Deacons Boat Yard was founded in 1922 by Francis Deacon, a resourceful entrepreneur who acquired a strip of marshland adjacent to the railway station on the River Hamble. His initial vision was modest, focusing on outboard motor repairs from a tiny shed, barely larger than a watchman's hut. In these formative years, Mr. Deacon and his wife exemplified the pioneering spirit of early boatyard operators, living aboard an ex-services motor launch as they steadily built their nascent business.
A Resilient History and Evolution
The business grew steadily through the interwar years, expanding its workforce and diversifying its services. Notably, the yard undertook the ambitious conversion of the paddle steamer ‘Lymington’ into a luxury houseboat, showcasing early craftsmanship. Deacons also engaged in building several traditional Itchen Ferry type cutters and became a key supplier and installer of new engines. A successful yacht agency further cemented its presence in the burgeoning yachting scene.
The outbreak of the Second World War brought unprecedented challenges. Yachting activities were halted, forcing Mr. Deacon to innovate to retain his skilled staff, even resorting to manufacturing ploughshares. The yard's capabilities were soon redirected towards crucial Admiralty contracts, repairing navy pinnaces and landing craft operating from the Hamble River. However, the war left its mark, with the largest boatshed and its contents tragically destroyed by bombing and enemy aircraft gunfire.
Francis Deacon passed away in 1950, but his legacy was ably continued by his wife, Mrs. A.M. Deacon, affectionately known as "Ma Deacon," who, with the help of yard foreman Bill Richards, managed the business for the next eleven years.
A significant turning point arrived in 1962 when Roger Fuller expressed interest in purchasing the yard. Despite competition, Mrs. Lavinia Sheridan, a descendant of the poet Sheridan, acquired Deacons, embarking on an ambitious yacht-building venture. However, financial difficulties arose by 1964, leading The Fuller Group, led by Roger Fuller, to successfully purchase the yard. At the time of this acquisition, Deacons was actively building two 42-foot Parker-designed motor sailers and a 32-foot Kim Holman-designed sailing yacht for Sir Eric Drake, then chairman of BP.
Towards the end of the 1960s, Deacons further expanded by acquiring the adjacent boatyard of Primmer and Snook, known for building small wooden boats and offering a valuable slipway, now filled in. This acquisition notably improved access to the A27, a site now occupied by an Aladdin's Cave chandlery. In a pivotal move in 1972, Deacons took over Anstey Yachts in Poole. Anstey Yachts had been producing fiberglass yachts under license from Canadian designers C&C Yachts. Deacons established a dedicated production unit in Poole for the Trapper range of yachts, continuing this successful line until 1987., 3, 5]
In 2017, Deacons Boat Yard Ltd. embarked on its latest chapter, being acquired by Dean & Reddyhoff Ltd., a prominent south coast marina operator. Deacons is now a key part of the boatfolk family of marinas, which continues to operate the site as a full-service marina and boatyard.
Building a Reputation: Design and Collaboration
During its active boat-building periods, Deacons Boat Yard forged a reputation for quality construction and, increasingly, for embracing modern yacht design. While initially building traditional wooden vessels like the Itchen Ferry cutters, the yard transitioned to fiberglass production, collaborating with renowned naval architects.
Around 1967, Deacons commissioned the celebrated American naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens to design the Deb 33. This innovative centerboard yacht (S&S design #1873) was praised as a highly versatile shallow-draft cruiser capable of sleeping four people., 2, 9, 20] The hulls for the Deb 33 were molded by Tyler Boat Co., with Deacons completing the fit-out.
Concurrently, Deacons began building the Galion 22 and Galion 28, both designed by Ian Hannay. The Galion 22 proved particularly popular, with one winning both the Round the Island Race and the JOG Single Handed Race in 1968, underscoring its performance capabilities., 4, 8]
The acquisition of Anstey Yachts in 1972 marked a significant expansion into licensed production of Canadian C&C designs, bringing the successful Trapper line of fiberglass yachts into the Deacons portfolio., 5]
Iconic Vessels and Enduring Legacy
Deacons Boat Yard's legacy is etched through several notable vessels and production runs that contributed significantly to the recreational marine market. The conversion of the paddle steamer 'Lymington' highlighted the yard's early bespoke capabilities, while their early Itchen Ferry type cutters represented a commitment to traditional British sailing craft.
In the fiberglass era, the Deb 33 stands out as a key model, with approximately fifty units sold, showcasing Deacons' ability to bring Sparkman & Stephens' innovative designs to a wider market., 2] The Galion 22 also enjoyed considerable success, becoming a popular choice for cruisers and racers alike, evidenced by its notable racing victories., 8]
However, it was perhaps the Trapper range (including models like the Trapper 240 and Trapper 500) that cemented Deacons' role as a significant production builder during the 1970s and 80s. By manufacturing these C&C-designed yachts, Deacons made modern, performance-oriented cruising boats accessible to a broader base of sailors until production ceased in 1987., 3]
Deacons Today
While Deacons Boat Yard Ltd. no longer builds boats, its historic site on the Hamble River continues to thrive as a premier marine facility. Following its acquisition by Dean & Reddyhoff Ltd. in 2017, the yard is now an integral part of boatfolk Marinas.
Today, Deacons Marina & Boatyard offers a comprehensive suite of services, making it a vital hub for boat owners in the Solent area. These services include berthing for 130 boats, extensive ashore storage for up to 150 vessels, a full-service boatyard with lifting capabilities for vessels up to 14m and 15 tonnes, and a wide array of maintenance and repair services. This includes everything from routine lift-outs and hull treatments to full refits, engineering services, and a chandlery. The focus has shifted from building new yachts to providing exceptional support and care for the existing fleet, fostering a vibrant boating community on the Hamble River.
