About Boksa Marine Design

Some naval architects design in Auto Cad. But Nick Boksa just rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. The hull lines of the Davis 52 are forever tatted on his forearm, design and engineering are in his blood. This boat gave him the courage to launch his own firm, Boksa Marine Design, now in its 20th year. 

Boksa is a naval architect and marine engineer, a no-nonsense pragmatist. His tattoos represent rites of passage in his life, transitions he never wants to forget. From the black pelican on his calf, to the compass rose and propeller symbolizing his engine room education at USMMA, his tattoos mean something. This crest of the business he formed is the restyled logo of Boksa Marine Design 16 years later, reminding him that each of his company’s vessels will truly be engineered for the sea, with the toughness and stoutness of the most seaworthy vessel, with generous and accommodating crew work spaces and practical engine room layouts.

With over 20 years experience managing the architectural design and engineering of commercial vessels and pleasure yachts, Nick Boksa grew up on Lake Michigan and has always worked in the marine industry.

After graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the University of Michigan with degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering, Boksa worked with Burger Boat Company, Davis Yachts and OSG America.

Nick Boksa founded Boksa Marine Design in 2003. A licensed USCG Third Assistant Engineer, Boksa worked in port and at sea managing vessel maintenance and operations for container ships and tankers.

He was both a shipyard superintendent and fleet naval architect for ATB tug boats, tank barges and tank ships. Boksa has also held numerous design manager positions for refit, retrofit and new construction projects for pilot boats, crew boats, research vessels, passenger vessels, tug boats and tank barges, as well as megayachts and pleasure craft production boats.

Pictured with her master, salty sea dog, Mollie Boksa, is usually underneath Nick’s desk, unless she is chasing a tennis ball around the office.