Experienced Woodworker: Cold-Molded Boat Building

SBWI; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance and SigningBonus

401(k) with company contribution

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Van Dam Custom Boats in Boyne City, Michigan, is hiring an Experienced Woodworker to join our team of craftspeople building the world’s finest wooden boats. You’ll build on your cabinetmaking and millwork skills, progressing into cold-molded boatbuilding under hands-on mentorship.

Qualified candidates have 5+ years in fine woodworking, the ability to read blueprints, and experience with high-end joinery. Physical stamina and tool proficiency are required for hull prep and interior work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in fine woodworking, cabinetry, furniture making, or millwork.
• Read technical drawings and blueprints with ease.
• High-end joinery and precision woodwork experience.
• Willingness to learn cold-m Molded boatbuilding.

Responsibilities

• Interpret designs from blueprints and craft marine-grade components, assist hull prep and joinery.
• Learn cold-molded construction techniques through mentorship and assist restorations.
• Collaborate with senior builders and project managers to ensure quality.
• Participate in full-cycle boat builds from hull to final assembly and restorations.

Skills

Fine woodworking

Cabinetmaking

Millwork

Blueprint reading

Hand & power tools

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Physical stamina

Education

Carpentry training

Job description

Contact: Ben Van Dam, President at [e-mail] or [phone] x104

Van Dam Custom Boats is hiring a full-time, year-round Experienced Woodworker to join our team of Craftspeople building the world’s finest wooden boats. Whether you identify as a cabinet maker, furniture maker, or master craftsperson, this role offers an opportunity to elevate your skills and transition into the art of a Cold Molded Boat Builder.

You won’t be starting over, you will build on your knowledge and understanding of working with different wood species, tools and machinery found in our woodshop. Your existing skills will be honored and immediately put to use in hull preparation, interior joinery, and structural layout, while learning specialized techniques through hands-on mentorship.

As you grow in this role, you’ll take on increasing responsibility, and depending on your progress, performance and drive, this could lead to opportunities as a key team member on full boat buildouts – from blueprint to launch.

We are seeking a person who is thirsty for a rewarding and challenging career in our world-renowned small family business. We aim to be the best in the industry; this is a dynamic opportunity for a passionate professional to contribute to VAN DAM’s tradition of excellence in craftsmanship.

Pay: $25.00 to $33.00 – negotiable, dependent upon experience and skills

TIMELINE: Applications due 10/31/25; Stage 1 screening calls will take place 11/3/25 until 11/7/25; Stage 2 on-site interviews will take place 11/10/25 to 11/14/25 -; Desired start date is 12/15/25 or sooner.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Blueprint Interpretation and Woodworking: Interpret and execute designs from blueprints while applying expert woodworking skills to marine-grade materials and boat components. Assist with hull preparation, structural layout, and joinery to ensure every project meets Van Dam’s high standards of craftsmanship.

Hands-On Learning and Mentorship: Learn cold-molded construction techniques through direct mentorship, participate in restoration projects, and shadow experienced boatbuilders during lamination and fairing. Contribute to quality control while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace.

Team Collaboration and Growth: Work closely with senior builders and project managers, attending technical workshops and team meetings to expand your skills. Communicate effectively with teammates to ensure smooth project execution and a collaborative shop environment.

Advanced Responsibilities (Post-Training): Participate in full-cycle boat builds from hull to final assembly and perform restorations on traditionally built boats including plank replacement, frame repair, and rot remediation. Interpret complex shop drawings, mentor apprentices and junior woodworkers, take ownership of assigned projects, and represent Van Dam craftsmanship in client interactions and industry forums.

OUR BENEFIT OFFERINGS:

$400 annual tool allowance

$200 crew gear stipend in the first year, $150 each year after.

Profit-sharing plan

After-hours shop/tool access

Paid certifications and training

$1,500 employee referral program

Reliable schedule with minimal weekends

Company-sponsored events

Relocation Assistance and Signing Bonus Available for qualified Candidates

401(k) with company contribution

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off and holidays

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications

5+ years in fine woodworking, cabinetry, furniture making, or millwork

Proven ability in high-end joinery and precision woodwork

Deep understanding of wood behavior, adhesives, finishes, and structure

Ability to read technical drawings and blueprints

Strong problem-solving and proactive craftsmanship

Willingness to learn cold-molded boatbuilding and marine systems

Experience with hand and power tools

Ability to lift 50+ lbs. and work in a physically active environment

Attention to detail and personal quality control

Mentoring experience is a plus

Mechanical or electrical familiarity is a bonus

Ability to work with speed and efficiency while maintaining high quality work

Preferred (Not Required)

Carpentry or woodworking institute training

Journeyman or Master-level certification

WCA Woodwork Professional Certification

ABYC familiarity or certifications

Electrical and mechanical experience

MORE ABOUT US

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 and technology. 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 2026, 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.

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