Van Dam Wood Craft completed the 33 ft. ALPHA Z in the fall of 1998. From her curved mahogany lines to her custom fabricated drivetrain, she is the epitome of craftsmanship and engineering. Designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, the boat is a stunning example of the level to which wooden boats can ascend
In typical Van Dam style, ALPHA Z is built to the highest standards. The hull is stringer and frame construction with a layer of Honduras mahogany laminated over two diagonal layers of Okume plywood using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. ALPHA Z was finished with a water-based stain over the mahogany to highlight the grain. Since ALPHA Z is trailered, the bottom was coated with white epoxy paint in lieu of antifouling. During hull construction, dry wall screws were used to provide clamping pressure until the epoxy cured. The screws were then removed and the holes countersunk and bunged to preserve a traditional look.
A custom fabricated windshield defines the front of the cockpit. Its compound curves are made from a double layer of 1/4" glass. There is no frame of any sort, and it is held in place by a fiberglass retaining ring under the dash.
From a distance the dash looks as though it is painted, but on closer inspected the grain comes through the dark stain, and reveals a single piece of hand-carved mahogany. The center console houses a TV monitor, stereo display, switches for the boat's operation, and storage. The cockpit sides sweep back into custom bucket fabricated leather seats and companion seats with console and helm to port. In the front, the seats were placed in a polished stainless steel frame. They are power actuated to adjust for comfort, and their backs swing down into a dining and beverage tray.
The floor of the cockpit is covered with both varnished mahogany and stainless steel perforated plate. Directly underneath are bladder tanks holding 110 gallons of fuel. Getting to the engine compartment is easy. A single push of a button will lift and roll back the engine hatch. A second push will close it.
ALPHA Z is equipped with an exquisitely detailed 572 cubic inch fuel injected offshore V-8, custom built by Keith Eichert Power Products. With a displacement of 6500 lb, it can reach 100 mph. As with the construction of the boat, the showcase engine installation required an extremely high level of engineering and attention to detail. Every item attached to the engine block itself was custom engineered, fabricated, and mirror polished by Van Dam Wood Craft for this specific installation. A notable example of this level of detail is the total lack of rubber used in the engine's installation. There are no hoses. All external lines were fashioned by the Van Dam crew of bent, welded, and polished stainless tubing.
The entire induction system was specifically cast and fabricated by Eichert to allow sufficient clearance between the engine and the boat's ultra low deck centerline. This is no mean feat considering the engine produces in excess of 800 horsepower with natural aspiration.
Sending the torque to the Arneson drop box is a Huber Marine 950 transmission modified by Tom Huber to incorporate his new experimental soft-shift technology, which does away with the abrupt shift engagements normally associated with high-strung racing engines.
Fuel and spark controls are handled by an EFI Technologies digital control with a matching LCD dash display and built-in data logger. By connecting the Electronic Control Module to the boat's lap top computer, critical engine functions and performance curves can be monitored and adjusted if necessary.
Meticulously hand carved dash, made from a single piece of specially selected Honduras Mahogany. Custom fabricated frameless windshield made from ½" glass. Power actuated stainless steel bucket seats covered in the finest English saddle leather. Mirror polished perforated stainless steel cockpit sole. State-of-the-art electronics and fingertip control of all mechanical and electrical functions.
According to Van Dam and his crew, this boat was a "once in a lifetime" project. Each person contributing his talents to the building of the boat was challenged, and all grew as craftsmen because of it. Van Dam Wood Craft is reputable for exquisite craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art engineering and will help carry the tradition of excellence in wooden boat building.
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