How to Build a River-Raft Frame

Rafting down the river with a friend sounds enjoyable, especially if you're using a raft you made together. To build a frame for your raft, you must create a plan and gather the necessary supplies. From here, you should be able to create a sturdy river-raft frame that will keep you safe on your river adventure.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Steel pipe
• Clamps
• Oar mounts
• Oar locks
• Plywood
• Screws
• 1-by-8-inch boards
• Sandpaper
• Shellac
• Sand
• Carpet strips
• Straps

1. Look over pre-built river-raft frames to see if you can duplicate the design. Find a picture or an example of a frame where you get your rafting supplies.

2. Use steel pipe (similar to that used in chain-link fences), QuickFit clamps, oar mounts, oarlocks and springs to make your raft frame. All of these items are available from your local home improvement store.

3. Measure and cut the steel pipe to the desired length of your raft.

4. Cut two pieces of plywood to the desired length of your raft. Attach to the steel pipes with screws and sand the edges. These pieces of plywood reach across the frame and seat the raft. Use two 1-by-8-inch boards for rails. Sand the edges, coat with shellac and follow up by sprinkling with sand.

5. Lay out the frame on level ground after you have assembled it. Attach the seating boards so they hold the raft up in two places (one on the top half of the frame and one on the bottom half). Glue strips of carpet where the frame will meet your raft.

6. Pick up the frame and place it on a trailer. Lay the raft on top and use straps to hold everything down to the trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• Using aluminum for the frame will make a lighter raft.
• Using break-apart connectors allows for easy takedown of the frame.

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