Competitive Compensation • $7,500 Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance for Qualified Candidates
At Van Dam Custom Boats, we design, build, and restore some of the world’s finest wooden boats. We don’t build production boats—we build one-of-a-kind boats. Every project is different, every challenge is unique, and every boat reflects the craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail that have made Van Dam recognized around the world.
You’ll work alongside a small, dedicated team in an expansive facility equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, where craftsmanship, teamwork, and continuous improvement drive everything we do. At Van Dam, your contribution matters. We invest in our people through training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow in project leadership, build management, and technical expertise. We expect every team member to take an active role in their own professional growth as we continue building some of the world’s finest wooden boats.
Life in Northern Michigan
Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan, you’ll enjoy an exceptional quality of life with four seasons of outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy boating, skiing, hiking, fishing, biking, or simply living in a welcoming community, Northern Michigan offers an outstanding place to build both a career and a life.
Boyne City and the surrounding area also offer excellent schools, local restaurants, farm markets, charming lakeside towns, and a lifestyle that appeals to people who value community, nature, and time outdoors.
Compensation
Compensation is negotiable based on directly related experience, craftsmanship, wood-composite and cold-molded boatbuilding expertise, and demonstrated performance.
The anticipated hiring range is $30–$40 per hour.
$7,500 Signing Bonus
Relocation Assistance based on experience, qualifications and overall fit for the position.
OUR BENEFIT OFFERINGS:
Unique Benefits
- $200 crew gear allowance in the first year and $150 each year after
- Profit-sharing plan
- After-hours shop and tool access
- Paid certifications and industry training if applicable and approved
- Company-sponsored events
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
Standard Benefits
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance
- Employees may purchase additional life, short-term and long-term disability insurance through company group rates
- Employee discounts
- Paid time off and holidays
Key Responsibilities
- Build structural hull, deck, and interior components using wood-composite and cold-molded construction methods while maintaining Van Dam standards for craftsmanship, strength, performance, and finish quality.
- Perform epoxy laminating, structural bonding, fairing, precision fitting, surface preparation, and assembly of custom marine components.
- Construct and install custom cabinetry, joinery, trim, interior components, hardware, and bright-finished or painted woodwork.
- Read, interpret, and apply construction drawings, shop drawings, technical specifications, layouts, and project documentation.
- Identify construction challenges, develop practical solutions, and communicate with Project Managers, Designers, and fellow craftspeople to keep work moving efficiently.
- Support mechanical, plumbing, electrical, hardware, and onboard systems installation as part of the complete boatbuilding process.
- Maintain accurate workmanship, organization, cleanliness, and personal quality control throughout each stage of construction.
- Collaborate with Boat Build, Design, Metal Fabrication, Paint & Varnish, and Project Management while sharing knowledge and supporting a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five (5) or more years of custom boatbuilding, cold-molded boat construction.
- Experience with epoxy laminating, structural bonding, precision woodworking, cabinetry, and marine-grade materials.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, shop drawings, and technical specifications.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Marine mechanical, plumbing, electrical, composite repair, restoration, or custom yacht experience is preferred.
- ABYC certification or willingness to continue professional development through company-supported training is encouraged.
Craft & Technical Work
– Cold-Molded Construction
– Wood-Composite Structures
– Epoxy Laminations
– Structural Bonding
– Hull Fairing
– Blueprint Interpretation
– Collaborative Problem Solving
– Structural Layout
– Precision Joinery
– Cabinetry & Interior
– Fit-Out
– Hardware Installation
– Custom Fabrication
– Marine Systems Integration
– Surface Preparation for Finish
Join Our Team
At Van Dam Custom Boats, you’ll help build one-of-one custom wooden boats recognized around the world. Every project brings a different challenge and an opportunity to work alongside highly skilled craftspeople who are committed to quality, innovation, teamwork, and continually improving their craft.
With access to an expansive wood shop, machine shop, metal shop, paint shop, and design office, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to do the job right. We invest in our craftspeople through hands-on learning, ongoing training, modern equipment, career development, and opportunities to take on increasing responsibility throughout the boatbuilding process.
If you’re looking for meaningful work, enjoy solving complex challenges, and want to build a long-term career with a company that values craftsmanship and the people behind the work, we’d love to hear from you.
Student Scholarship at Marine Trades Institute
Van Dam Custom Boats and Boyne Boat Yard will have up to one student per year who receives a scholarship to attend one year at the Marine Trades Institute.
The student will receive up to $15,000 toward tuition costs and up to $4,000 in a scholarship award to help with school expenses.
The recipient will be chosen by our team and will be expected to work for one of Van Dam’s companies following graduation. If you would like to be considered for this student scholarship, please submit your letter of interest and any other supporting documents.
General Employment Inquiry
VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS
WORK FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER WOOD COMPOSITE BOAT BUILDERS
THE COMPANY:
Van Dam Custom Boats, located in Boyne City, Michigan, has been building custom, high-performance wood composite boats since 1977. Known for our exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, we blend traditional techniques with modern engineering principles. Joining our team means becoming part of a legacy of excellence in boatbuilding, where you’ll work on some of the most exciting projects in the industry. Our crew, consisting of highly skilled craftspeople and apprentices, is dedicated to perfection. With an expansive shop equipped with state-of-the-art tools, you’ll thrive in our dynamic and collaborative environment. Whether you’re an experienced boat builder or starting your career, Van Dam offers a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special. We have a backlog stretching into 2028, and growth opportunities abound, with training available in project leadership, build management, and technical skills. Join us in our quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world.
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Life insurance
- Generous paid time off policy
- Paid holidays
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Profit Sharing Bonus
- Open Book Management
- Company Paid Training and Education—Industry Certifications
- After-hours use of shop and company tools
- $150 Annual Crew Gear Allowance
- $400 Annual Tool Allowance
- $1,500 Employee Referral Program
- Opportunities for advancement
- Company-sponsored events
- Reliable schedule with very few weekends
HOW TO APPLY:
Van Dam offers full-time, year-round employment with a comprehensive benefits package and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals every day. We are on a mission! Come join us! Please submit your resume, letter of interest, and portfolio of experiences below.
