Careers

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

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.