Van Dam was approached by a client who was inspired by the now famous Van Dam-built Alpha Z. Together they enlisted Michael Peters Yacht Design, the designer of Alpha Z, to style a new boat that would capture the essence and grace of Alpha Z, but also incorporate the space and accommodations of a 30 ft. day boat.

Features like a hidden fold-out swim platform, one-piece windshield, and side exhaust bustles derive their complexity and inspiration from Alpha Z, but that’s where the similarities end.

Rather than 100 mph velocities, Gonzo is designed for all-day comfort, and offers a spacious cuddy and ample seating for five or six people. She is powered with a pair of hand built, supercharged, aluminum small blocks generating about 500 hp each.

For this special project Michael Peters Yacht Design handled all the design, power, and styling, but left the cold-molded construction details and structural engineering to Van Dam. The boat is skinned with African mahogany milled from a single log and finished to match Alpha Z’s incredible gloss.

The dash features a custom steering wheel and a carbon fiber instrument panel. All the electrical and mechanical controls are right at the driver’s finger tips. She displays her custom built stainless steel hardware to perfection. With her custom trailer, Gonzo is easily moved around, and she turns heads wherever she goes.