Careers

Interested in joining our team?

Having reached our 46 year milestone in the boat building industry, Van Dam Custom Boats combines a commitment to legacy craftsmanship and a passion to be the best boat builder in the world with an unmatched, lifetime guarantee*. We are seeking like-minded individuals willing to help us raise the bar of excellence.

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on

our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard.

If you feel you have what it takes to work with the best of the best, we would love to hear from you. Explore the positions below for more detailed information. Tell us a bit about yourself by submitting a cover letter of interest as well as a resume of your experiences and work history.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

A premium health and wellness insurance plan, including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance is provided at no cost to employees.

401k

A 3% Safe Harbor contribution is provided for each employee, regardless of plan participation.

Paid Time Off

Paid time off begins accruing immediately with employment.

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

Company provided life insurance policy in the amount of $5000 and long-term disability coverage is available for employee purchase at low group rates.

Open Book Management & Profit Sharing Program

The entire team is provided relevant company financial information leading to direct involvement in driving company efficiencies and successes. We promote a team focused, results driven culture and share the benefits this brings to our financial bottom line.

Continuing Education

We take great pride in being on the leading edge of construction techniques; we look for opportunities to support continuing education for everyone on our team. Consideration will be given to fund any continuing education or training that aligns with/furthers team goals.

Casual Attire

Workwear is supplied and an annual stipend for Van Dam branded clothing is provided.

Competitive Living Wages

Commensurate with experience and willingness to learn and contribute.

After Hours Use of Shop & Company Tools

Personal projects are fulfilling and can also expand skill sets – we are excited to support both

Tool Allowance

An annual stipend toward personal tools is provided so employees are building up their own tool sets.

2

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Be aware of your words and actions when interacting with customers, co-workers, friends and family.

View all of our
cultural fundamentals

One-Of-A-Kind
Culture

To be the best, there must be a commitment to a common purpose; a team that puts the good of the whole at the forefront of every action. Learn more about the culture behind the craft.

Our Fundamentals

Current Openings

THE COMPANY

The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program. We are a creative, hardworking, and dedicated team on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building.

By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America. It is a place where your contribution matters! We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission. Our backlog stretches into 2025 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream boat with this team. Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a talented, energetic, and motivated addition to the team. As an experienced member of our team, you will be expected to be fluent in all aspects of cold molded construction, from building frames and stringers, to laminating hull skins and exterior planking, to the different types of joinery commonly used in boat building to fairing surfaces without the need to add filler. A thorough understanding of the structural challenges and concerns when working with wood and an attention to detail are expected. Furthermore, the ability to shift from hull construction into interior construction and detailed woodworking for both painted and varnished surfaces will be expected. Experience with electrical systems installation, mechanical systems installation and engine and drivetrain installation is desired. Basic experience with composites is also desired. In this role you will most typically be a part of an entire build project working on everything from the hull construction through interior construction, helping in the metal and paint departments, and doing the final assembly. Day to day, you will report directly to one of the project managers, but you will also have oversight and consistent direct involvement with the president of the company. You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity every day. Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected. Compensation is $25-$35 per hour.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Live our fundamentals
Consistently perform high quality work in areas including but not limited to:
- Hull and deck structural components
- Laminating skins
- Hull planking for bright finished hullsides and decks
- Fairing surfaces
- Cabinetry
- Fine woodworking
- Occasional restoration work on traditionally built boats and modern boats
Meet timelines set forth by the Project Manager or bring up issues early if not able to meet the timeline
Learn our way first, then bring the benefit of your experience
Execute on tasks with little or no guidance, (after proper instruction)
Be your own quality control and bring issues to the Project Manager when you see them
Bring energy and enthusiasm
Be a contributing member of the team, able to take on multiple aspects of projects
Constantly improve your abilities
Take responsibility for your experience here
Willingness to work regular overtime, (at 1.5x hourly wage)

Requirements and Qualifications:

Minimum 4 years’ experience building wooden boats
Significant experience and comfort with cold molding
ABYC familiarity, (certifications desired)
Electrical and mechanical experience desired

THE LOCATION

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, reasonably priced housing, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. Applicants must have at least four years of cold molded boat building and woodworking experience. Any experience with related trades such as metalworking, finishing and mechanical systems are a plus. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE. We are on a mission! Come join us! Please submit your letter of interest, portfolio of experiences, and references below.

PAINT & VARNISH TECHNICIAN—WORK FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S PREMIER WOODEN BOAT BUILDERS

THE COMPANY

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a Paint & Varnish Technician to join our talented, energetic, and motivated team. As a member of our team, you will be expected to be eager and ready to learn a variety of paint and varnish application and finishing techniques. We aim to provide the highest quality services to our customers; we don’t cut corners, and we always have a focus on customer service. Our team takes great pride in their work, and we’re looking for like-minded individuals. In this role, you will be expected to participate—in our daily and weekly huddles, in problem solving, in helping fellow teammates, and in communicating with customers, when needed. Experience with refinishing work is desired, but not required. You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm and tenacity every day. Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience; starting range is $17-$27 per hour.

Duties and Responsibilities

Live our fundamentals
Maintain personal inventory of tools and organize tools to be prepared at the job site
Maintain a clean and organized work area with safety-minded practices
Learn our way first, then bring the benefit of your experience
Be your own quality control and bring issues to the Paint Shop Manager when you see them
Be a contributing member of the team, able to take on multiple aspects of projects
Bring energy and enthusiasm
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and take criticism, and a dedication to personal growth
Constantly improve your abilities
Take responsibility for your experience
Extreme level of detail and organization
Strong work-ethic
Consistently perform high quality work in areas including, but not limited to:
Cleaning and prepping parts for paint or varnish, including taping and masking
Sanding parts in preparation for paint or varnish
Disassembly and careful organization of parts for boats that we will be working on
Reassembly of completed projects
Application of multiple types of finishes, from brushed varnish or paint to sprayed finishes, like clear coat
Assisting with cosmetic repairs
Fiberglass work
Buffing and polishing
Assisting with cosmetic inspections and estimate generation
Cleaning boats before deliveries

Requirements and Qualifications

Team building skills and mindset
Strong work ethic and drive
Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
Strong time management skills with respect for deadlines
Ability to work unsupervised
Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on team success
Experience with refinishing work is preferred
Available full-time, M-F 7am-4:30pm

THE LOCATION

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. We offer a comprehensive benefit package and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them on our website. We are on a mission! Come join us!

Please submit your letter of interest, portfolio of experiences, and references on our website at vandamboats.com/careers.

Apply

A remarkable
History

“What started off as a dream to sail around the world in a boat we built ourselves, gradually changed into a vision to ensure the future of craftsmanship. Van Dam Custom Boats was born.” – Steve Van Dam

Our History

A Brand New
Facility

In keeping with the Cultural Fundamentals of the company, importance is placed on the efficient, effective and orderly flow of the work day. Continuous improvement includes our surroundings.

Campus