Few boatbuilders get permission from their clients to go all-out for perfection in the boats they build. Van Dam Custom Boats won’t take on a job unless they have that agreement with the future boat-owner in advance. Here’s a look behind the scenes of one of the finest yards in the world. While very few can afford going this route, or would want to maintain such perfection, you can’t help but be impressed by the company the Van Dam family has built and their son who is taking the reins. Enjoy, Ben.
Here’s a link to their website: Van Dam Custom Boats
Here’s a link to a job opening for a boatbuilder they just posted on the Job Board at Worldwide Classic Boat Show earlier this week.
Robert O'Neal says:
I have worked on many different types of boats in Savanah George for 2 years. I would love to have the opportunity to learn and build boats like they build. I now live Greenville SC, but i still have that desire to work and build boats. I can’t move , but if anyone would like to pass any knowledge on to me, it would be greatly appreciated. I will do my best to pass it along to whomever wants to learn the craft. Thanks in advance, and my God bless you all. You can contact me at 864 907 3614 or email me at [email protected]
Robert O'Neal says:
I have worked on many different types of boats in Savanah George for 2 years. I would love to have the opportunity to learn and build boats like they build. I now live Greenville SC, but i still have that desire to work and build boats. I can’t move , but if anyone would like to pass any knowledge on to me, it would be greatly appreciated. I will do my best to pass it along to whomever wants to learn the craft. Thanks in advance, and my God bless you all.
John Pazereskis says:
This is a really nicely done video, and the people and boats seem to be admirable.
Andrew Blodgett says:
Old Dads passing on the business are always funny. This makes it sound like the son has only used a lot of chisels in life. Pops, he has a degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan :) I think he’ll do just fine!
John Hastie says:
Thank you for sharing this.
This video is a wonderful ‘North Star’ vision to turn to on ‘those days’ when a little reminder of vision may be needed in the back of the shop.
John
Burke Horner says:
Wow! That concept of saving for an item of perfection that you will pass on to your family, be it a business or a new ship. One man’s row boat may be another man’s yacht. The Van Dam ships look so beautiful, they could easily be displayed in a museum!
Kent and Skipper says:
“Pursuit of obsession.” I didn’t know there was a level beyond Obsession, but now I do. It’s always great to see generations building generational boats.