Friends with Don Hill and George Calkins, both famous wood boat builders, Bruce Russell started building boats in 1984 as a hobby. First from a kit by Don Hill. His quality of workmanship impressed Don enough that Don would take Bruce's boats to boat shows from Seattle to Sacramento. At one Portland, Oregon show Bruce walked up behind Don and a customer noted to Don, "That looks like a difficult project." "Oh, no," replied Don, "A preacher built this one. If a preacher can build it anyone can." Bruce tapped Don on the shoulder and commented, "I want a larger commission." Don promised to double it.
Bruce has built mostly drift boats modified from Don Hill's original plans. He has also built a number of sled boats originally built by Don Krogel of Roseburg, Oregon. The original owner and manufacturer of North River Jet Boats, Mike Lorenzen took note of the Krogel design before they began production of aluminum sleds. Bruce has also restored four sail boats ranging in size from 21' to 30'.
He has been teaching boatbuilding for about twenty years including one semester at the Glide, Oregon High School wood shop. He teaches individuals and groups of 3 or 4 and helps with assembly at difficult junctures in the process at his home in Polson, MT. For more information feel free to contact him by phone or email.