VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS – VICTORIA Z

Van Dam Custom Boats is the ideal place to bring your dream boat project to life. We were impressed by both the overall experience and the final result, on the water and out of the water.
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THE ULTIMATE WOODEN MOTORBOAT !

VAN DAM CUSTOM BOATS’ goal: to build the wooden boats of your dreams

Inspired by its legendary sister ship, the ALPHA Z, and perfected through collaboration with Michael Peters Yacht Design, it perfectly combines design, power, and innovation. Its muscular lines and meticulously detailed woodwork highlight the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Van Dam team.

“Even though older boats are wonderful, they are in many ways different and less attractive than new boats. The construction technique used by Van Dam is the ideal combination: the durability and ease of maintenance of a composite boat and the undeniable appeal of natural materials.” Victoria Z, proud owner of the boat.

At the end of 2025, Van Dam launched the Victoria Z, an exotic 35-foot motorboat combining cutting-edge engineering with artisanal craftsmanship, marking a bold evolution in the company’s technical and design capabilities.

Powered by two Sterling Performance Ford Cobra 427 engines delivering 1,100 horsepower, the VICTORIA Z reaches a breathtaking speed of 85 knots with unmatched maneuverability and efficiency thanks to its Arneson surface drives.

Every square inch is custom-made, from the hand-sculpted dashboard to the stainless steel “jewelry,” creating a boat that is as exciting as it is beautiful. The VICTORIA Z is not just a motorboat, it is a masterpiece of performance and design.

VAN DAM CUSTOM BOAT : Imagination, ingenuity, creativity.

BEN VAN DAM
Owner/President

From riding in the back of his father Steve Van Dam‘s boat as a young boy, to building an 8-foot One Day rowboat with him at the age of five, to cleaning up the shop after school, Ben Van Dam has always been immersed in the world of custom boat building. These early experiences left a lasting impression on him as he watched skilled craftsmen ply their trade. This led Ben to have his first serious conversation with his father about the relevance of “professional discussions” at a young age.

“Our team, experts in traditional craftsmanship and construction techniques (the skills that form the foundation of Van Dam Custom Boats), also embraces technology and innovative design as an integral part of the future of custom wooden boat building.” BVD.

“In the hands of a master craftsman, technology does not eliminate the complexity of custom woodworking, but helps to make it more sustainable and efficient. A balance is achieved between functionality, performance, and aesthetics. Our processes encompass all these aspects.” BVD.

“We often talk about master craftsmanship. At Van Dam Custom Boats, we use a wood composite construction process to build all of our boats, which are unique in the world. This process involves using epoxy adhesive to laminate several thin layers of wood to create the hull and structural elements of our boats. By combining traditional craftsmanship with sound engineering principles, we are able to build boats that are stronger, lighter, and more durable than those built using other methods. Van Dam Custom Boats are designed to be enjoyed by multiple generations and to stand the test of time.” BVD.

“Each board used in our custom constructions is selected by craftsmen and carefully sorted according to its characteristics, which will determine whether it will be used for structure, aesthetics, or, in some cases, both. Each one is cut and bent by hand according to design specifications, while ensuring that the grain matches throughout the construction. Our wood is used as a unidirectional fiber, as it is much stronger in the direction of the grain than across it. The engineering takes full advantage of this characteristic, and although this precision takes time, it is what sets Van Dam Custom Boat boats apart from other boats in the industry.” BVD.

Artistry and functionality come together in our metalwork, where intricate craftsmanship is a hallmark throughout the company. From hand-polished finials to custom-made seats and structural embellishments, all metalwork is skillfully crafted on site.

Design revisions or performance improvements are carried out by our metalworkers, who draw on their natural talent and the cutting-edge equipment at their disposal. BVD.

Finishing the parts of each boat that will rarely be visible with the same care and attention to detail as our gleaming exteriors is one of the many features that sets Van Dam Custom Boats apart in the world of custom wooden boat building. This not only ensures long-lasting quality and functionality, but also gives you peace of mind: your order is the result of high-end craftsmanship, both inside and out. It’s not just a matter of finishing the build and moving on to the next project. It’s about you, your expectations, and your future enjoyment on the water.” BVD.

We are equally meticulous in our approach to building mechanical and electrical components. Power, performance, and ease of use are essential aspects of your boating experience, and Van Dam Custom Boats considers this field to be an art form in its own right. Certified master craftsmen in the field of systems and electronics create and assemble perfect internal mechanisms, allowing you to control your boat effortlessly, safely, and confidently.” BVD.

Expect to pay around $4.5 million for an Alpha Z model.

VAN DAM SHIPYARD

  • 970 E. Division Street
  • Boyne City, MI 49712 – Michigan – US.

Credits & videos: © 2026 Van Dam Boats.

By : Alexandre Joulia, deputy editor-in-chief and photographer AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.

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  • Rachel Joulia-Helou, editor-in-chief AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.
  • Alexandre Joulia, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Photographer, AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.

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  • Rachel Joulia-Helou, editor-in-chief of AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.
  • Alexandre Joulia, photographer and deputy editor of AMILCAR MAGAZINE GROUP.

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