Bernard was the second son of John Waymouth and Ann (nee Blackman).   When he was 10 years old, his parents emigated to New Zealand with their six surviving children on the ship "William Watson".   Although Bernard's father was a chemist, then a merchant's clerk and then an accountant, he had learned the skills of boat design from his father and brother Bernard (of Lloyds).   These skills were passed to Bernard and his older brother, John, who both became boat builders.   In the early 1870s, Bernard was engaged in boatbuilding at Waiheke Island.   On 16 December 1873 he launched the yacht "Pearl" that he had built for Mr Trace.   Two months later, he was on board the same yacht on a trip from Mechanics Bay to Waiheke when a gale caused the yacht to founder off Rangitoto Island.   Bernard was drowned (aged 25).   The newspaper "Southern Cross" reported that Bernard was much esteemed by all who knew him, besides being a first class boatbuilder, and one who was rapidly rising in his profession".