Our success is based on the decades of combined experience our team of naval architects and marine engineers have in vessel operations, construction, and design. We pair our expert knowledge in vessel design with a straightforward, honest approach to business. The result is unparalleled quality, value, and client satisfaction.
At Gilbert Associates, our mission is to provide exceptional naval architecture and marine engineering services through innovative designs, expert consulting, and detailed construction documentation that ensure compliance, efficiency, and reliability.
With the safety of operators and customers in mind, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and integrity.
We engage in direct, honest, and fast communication, keeping all parties informed every step of the way.
Whether it’s a new build, a modification, or a consultation, we approach every project with a focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
We are salt-of-the-earth professionals who take pride in our craft. No fluff, no shortcuts – just honest, high-quality work.
We believe in transparent and fair pricing. Our goal is to provide high-quality naval architecture and engineering solutions without unnecessary costs.
John W. “Jack” Gilbert founded Gilbert Associates in 1964, nine years after graduating with his B.S. in Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jack was a licensed Professional Engineer who also served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve.
During the course of his career as president of John W. Gilbert Associates, Jack oversaw the design and construction of over 400 vessels, beginning with the company’s first-ever design – the 33’ wooden steam tug C.L. Churchill. Now powered by a diesel engine, this piece of history is still in service today with the Buffalo Maritime Center. In the image below, founder Jack Gilbert is seen on the bow, smoking a pipe.
During his 46-year tenure as president, Jack also gained industry acclaim for his trailblazing marine engineering research and computer-aided design work, as well as a reputation for reliability, honesty, and fair pricing practices. It is his values, vision, and pioneering spirit we continue to honor with every job we take on.
Read more about Jack’s amazing legacy and the history of Gilbert Associates in this issue of Foghorn Magazine.
John spent 7 years working for Bay State Cruise Company learning navigation, marine engineering, carpentry and welding eventually getting a 100 ton ocean operators license still held today. John began his tenure at Gilbert Associates as a draftsman working under his father and company founder, Jack Gilbert. Over the years, he has personally managed the design and engineering of many of Gilbert Associates’ projects and has participated in nearly every project completed by Gilbert Associates over the company’s history.
John leads the company with his hands-on experience in vessel operations, a thorough working knowledge of shipyard construction practices, and decades of engineering and design execution. John’s personal reputation for trustworthy expertise is synonymous with the reputation Gilbert Associates has earned with our customers and industry partners.
Jerry joined the Gilbert team in 1980 after earning his BSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In his 45 years with Gilbert Associates, Jerry has become our resident expert in hull form development as well as speed, power, and propulsion analysis.
Jerry’s expertise has been used to build several proprietary computational tools to analyze vessel stability and accurately estimate powering needs. His extensive knowledge of regulations in conjunction with his expertise in naval architecture has made him indispensable to the Gilbert Associates team.
Karyn started her career at Gilbert Associates after graduating with a BSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, Maine, and North Carolina. After a relocation to North Carolina early in her career, Karyn became the Director of Project Coordination for the commercial business unit at Parsons Corporation. She returned to Gilbert Associates in 2014 and has become an expert in passenger vessel design with experience in all aspects of design execution from project initiation to close out.
Zach started working with Gilbert Associates in 2009 after earning a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. Zach’s work includes developing vessel arrangements, vessel structure, construction documentation, and coordinating details with shipyards. He is well rounded in the marine industry, leading design and consulting projects for towboats, commercial fishing vessels, and passenger vessel conversions during his tenure with Gilbert Associates.
Like his brother John, Peter spent parts of his early career working as a draftsman in his father’s practice. Peter went on to earn his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from University of Massachusetts and spent nearly three decades in sports engineering, eventually running his own consulting firm. Peter returned to Gilbert Associates as a mechanical engineer in 2023, where he continues his family’s legacy of excellence in vessel design.
Brian started with Gilbert Associates in 2019 after earning his BSc in Mechanical & Ocean Engineering and his MS in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Massachusetts. Brian specializes in using FEA and computational tools to develop vessel structure. During his time at Gilbert Associates, he has participated in several passenger vessel designs in the areas of hybrid propulsion systems specification, structural design, electrical systems, hydrostatics, and stability.
Krupa started working with Gilbert Associates in 2022 after earning a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from St. Martin’s Engineering College and a MS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans. Today, Krupa develops vessel arrangements, construction documentation, and ensures compliance with class and regulatory requirements.
Mark became a Jr. Naval Architect with Gilbert Associates in 2023 after earning his BSc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Webb Institute. As a student, Mark gained industry and engineering experience in his internships with Westport Yachts, Cape May – Lewes Ferry, and Northern Marine. Mark is currently working towards earning his PE license. Mark has participated in several passenger vessel designs including a lengthening project and the design of a diesel-electric hybrid double-ended passenger vehicle ferry. He has experience with FEA analysis of crane structures, 3D modeling and hull fairing, as well as piping and structural drafting.
John spent 7 years working for Bay State Cruise Company learning navigation, marine engineering, carpentry and welding eventually getting a 100 ton ocean operators license still held today. John began his tenure at Gilbert Associates as a draftsman working under his father and company founder, Jack Gilbert. Over the years, he has personally managed the design and engineering of many of Gilbert Associates’ projects and has participated in nearly every project completed by Gilbert Associates over the company’s history.
John leads the company with his hands-on experience in vessel operations, a thorough working knowledge of shipyard construction practices, and decades of engineering and design execution. John’s personal reputation for trustworthy expertise is synonymous with the reputation Gilbert Associates has earned with our customers and industry partners.
Jerry joined the Gilbert team in 1980 after earning his BSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In his 45 years with Gilbert Associates, Jerry has become our resident expert in hull form development as well as speed, power, and propulsion analysis.
Jerry’s expertise has been used to build several proprietary computational tools to analyze vessel stability and accurately estimate powering needs. His extensive knowledge of regulations in conjunction with his expertise in naval architecture has made him indispensable to the Gilbert Associates team.
Karyn started her career at Gilbert Associates after graduating with a BSc in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Webb Institute. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Massachusetts, Maine, and North Carolina. After a relocation to North Carolina early in her career, Karyn became the Director of Project Coordination for the commercial business unit at Parsons Corporation. She returned to Gilbert Associates in 2014 and has become an expert in passenger vessel design with experience in all aspects of design execution from project initiation to close out.
Zach started working with Gilbert Associates in 2009 after earning a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. Zach’s work includes developing vessel arrangements, vessel structure, construction documentation, and coordinating details with shipyards. He is well rounded in the marine industry, leading design and consulting projects for towboats, commercial fishing vessels, and passenger vessel conversions during his tenure with Gilbert Associates.
Like his brother John, Peter spent parts of his early career working as a draftsman in his father’s practice. Peter went on to earn his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from University of Massachusetts and spent nearly three decades in sports engineering, eventually running his own consulting firm. Peter returned to Gilbert Associates as a mechanical engineer in 2023, where he continues his family’s legacy of excellence in vessel design.
Brian started with Gilbert Associates in 2019 after earning his BSc in Mechanical & Ocean Engineering and his MS in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Massachusetts. Brian specializes in using FEA and computational tools to develop vessel structure. During his time at Gilbert Associates, he has participated in several passenger vessel designs in the areas of hybrid propulsion systems specification, structural design, electrical systems, hydrostatics, and stability.
Krupa started working with Gilbert Associates in 2022 after earning a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from St. Martin’s Engineering College and a MS in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of New Orleans. Today, Krupa develops vessel arrangements, construction documentation, and ensures compliance with class and regulatory requirements.
Mark became a Jr. Naval Architect with Gilbert Associates in 2023 after earning his BSc in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering from Webb Institute. As a student, Mark gained industry and engineering experience in his internships with Westport Yachts, Cape May – Lewes Ferry, and Northern Marine. Mark is currently working towards earning his PE license. Mark has participated in several passenger vessel designs including a lengthening project and the design of a diesel-electric hybrid double-ended passenger vehicle ferry. He has experience with FEA analysis of crane structures, 3D modeling and hull fairing, as well as piping and structural drafting.
“On both projects, Gilbert Associates’ work was timely, and the firm was responsive and professional. The deliverables on both projects more than met my expectations. It is without hesitation that I can recommend Gilbert Associates Inc. for a vessel design project.”
– Chuck Moser, Former Executive Director of Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority
Our dedicated naval architects and marine engineers work to get you the best possible results for your project, no matter the scale.
Whether you commission us to design a vessel from scratch, make required modifications to an existing craft, or perform necessary assessments, our diligent planning, attention to detail, and decades of experience mean we get the job done, on time and within budget.
From innovative design to expert consultation and detailed documentation, we have solutions for every vessel. If you’re looking for a proven marine engineer and naval architect firm that will listen to your needs and respond with reliable, time-tested, and cost-effective results, reach out to Gilbert Associates today.
“Celebrating 60 Years at Gilbert Associates, Inc”
Foghorn Magazine