By 1896 Lyman had left the sailboats for motorboats, which were becoming the newest mode of water transport. In 1901, Lyman's son William joined his father in the business and worked his way from apprentice to boss. Many of the original workers were craftsmen from the old country. Some came to work in shirts, ties, and jackets, changing the jacket for an apron. Taken over by the government during the first World War, the plant was used to build concrete ships and barges.
Records indicate that only one concrete barge was built before the end of the war.
A year later a new 13' and 15' were introduced. By 1928 Lyman had outgrown its Cleveland plant and Bernard had retired. Sandusky became the new home for Lyman in 1928, just in time for the Great Depression. The first boat built at the new plant was a 15' outboard. With the end of the depression business improved and Lyman built a new plant on their empty lot next door.