A BOATBUILDER from Hampshire is defying the recession by planning to more than double production and expand overseas.

Renowned Lymington Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) specialist Scorpion is breaking with its built-to-order tradition to make, smaller, more affordable versions of its sought-after speedsters.

Traditionally, a Scorpion RIB is a millionaire’s plaything and can cost as much as £200,000, but bosses are hoping to tap into a massive new international market with a 6.5m boat costing £35,000.

The boat, which will initially come in two versions with a deluxe-model costing £38,750, is intended to be just the first in an entirely new range now being developed by Scorpion designers in an investment worth around £200,000.

It’s the latest development since the company was taken over by former City banker Patrick Byrn last year. At the time he said he aimed to add a further ten boats to the company’s bespoke production line which then produced 25 a year. Now he aims to add at least another 30 a year initially and, in time, sub-contract production of the 6.5 metre model closer to overseas markets.

The firm has just opened an office in Palma, Majorca, as a first step in its international ambitions.

Mr Byrne, managing director, said: “The history of the company has been bespoke boats and we’ve never had a standard model.