“There are many old crew-supply boats sitting tied up because the Gulf of Mexico slowed down a few years ago,” points out Nick Boksa of Boksa Marine Design. “We’\’re getting inquiries all the time.” One such inquiry came from a previous client, a commercial fisherman who enjoys buying and converting commercial craft. That inquiry is taking shape right now as the conversion of Lorraine.
Constructed by Swiftships, a Louisiana shipyard specializing in commercial and military craft, Lorraine served as a crew-transfer vessel. The all-aluminum 122-footer (37-meter) launched in the early 1980s. Despite sitting unused and rust accumulating in recent years (below), she remained structurally sound. Boksa Marine Design landed the conversion because of a project for this owner a few years ago. Specifically, the studio added sponsons to one of his Alaska-based fishing vessels, aiding stability and capacity.
Interestingly, Boksa says, this same owner has come back a few times since then with additional project ideas. As often happens, he adds, they didn’t work out for one reason or another. With the conversion of Lorraine, however, the ideas are indeed working out, in equally noteworthy ways.
For instance, Boksa Marine Design has designed and engineered the transformation of the small superstructure and mostly open deck into appropriately voluminous and luxurious relaxation and work areas. Lorraine will have lounges with bars, formal dining, and a tender garage. But, she also promises a few surprises, such as VIPs on the main and upper decks, not a single traditional master. They will accompany four guest cabins below. Overall, the conversion of Lorraine will result in a 125-foot (38-meter) private family cruiser (top).
Given the surprising features, and origins, the conversion of Lorraine should strike you as being different. This owner has his own vision, and his own way of doing things. He’s doing a lot of work himself, too. He’s adept at welding, for example, and converting her under his own company in Louisiana. That said, though, he’s bringing in consultants and yachting specialists to fill his knowledge and skills gaps. For its part, Boksa Marine Design has firm roots in both the yachting and commercial sectors, switching hats regularly.
While the owner anticipates finishing the work sometime this winter, Boksa says the timetable isn’t the main focus. Rather, it’s the idea that a conversion can make a difference in his personal life. “There’s a pool of these boats available that can get gentlemen like this into yachting at a fraction of the cost of a new build,” he points out.
Boksa Marine Design bmdinc.com
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