About Us

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

Craftsman and Teacher

White Salmon Boat Works is located in White Salmon, Washington. We are in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, one hour east of Portland Oregon.

Ray Klebba is a master craftsman with over 20 years of experience in designing and building award winning boats.

Quailty craftsmanship is a trademark of Ray Klebba's work. When you first look at Ray Klebba's boats, the remarkable shapes and artistic designs will draw you to the boat. Upon closer inspection you see that both shape and contrasting colors of wood have been woven together to create a powerful visual effect (functional art). His specialized woodstrip construction method and plans are home to the "Stars" the award winning sea kayaks, rowboats and canoes.

Ray's passion for boat building has lead him on a pathway towards teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. His workshops are hands-on practical applications with Ray's personnel guidence and instruction inside the workshop.

Through the years, Ray has shared his dream of boating building with many. As a master craftsman he has built custom boats for customers who didn't have the time or resources to do the task themselves. Ray has designed plans and kits for those who wish to complete the task at home. And as time pass, he has become a teacher and friend to many in his workshop who needed the knowledge and experience of a professional. He has had over sixty "students" build boats in his workshop as of May 2004.

Here are Shelley and Kenosha. Kenosha is our official shop dog and launch site inspector

We hope as you visit our website that you will discover that having your dream boat is a truely reality.