Hells Bells was designed by Van Dam for a southern gentleman who wanted a boat suitable for evening “cocktail” cruises and watching the local sailing regattas with friends and family. Not designed to be a fast boat, she was originally powered with a custom in-line 6 cylinder gasoline engine of 200 hp which easily got her on plane. She cruised effortlessly and efficiently at a leisurely pace with this power. A small diesel would also be well suited to this arrangement.

At the owner’s request, Hells Bell’s cockpit and Dietrich style top were reconfigured during the winter of 2011/2012. She was re-powered with a Ford 302 V-8 connected to a V-drive which allowed a new, more intimate seating arrangement ahead of the engine. Hell’s Bells now comfortably seats 8 in an arrangement that is more suitable to pleasant conversation during a shoreline tour, and offers more protection for the passengers at higher speeds or when the weather deteriorates.