How to Build a Raft Out of Logs Without Rope
Building a raft out of logs is one of the things you will be bound to do if you are out in the wild. There is always a river, marsh or lake to cross. What if you have no rope and there is no seaweed in the stream, no willow withes or weeds, but you brought a hatchet with you? You can still make a log raft without rope, using wood spikes and poles. This technique was used in the past in the northern regions.
Instructions
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Find a shallow water spot with a slant to roll the logs easily into the water. Make sure the water is not moving so that you can work on your raft directly over the water.
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Obtain five large logs, about 10 inches in diameter and at least five feet long. Cut 12 thin, one-foot-long pins of hard wood. Cut or gather at least 10 poles, 3 inches in diameter and less than five feet in length.
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Cut the logs and roll them as close to the water's edge as you can. If the diameters of the logs vary, alternate between big and small. Lay them parallel to each other. You should have a raft about four feet wide and five feet long.
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Lay two five-foot-long poles across the logs, at least five inches from the edge. Lay one pole on one side of the raft, and the other pole on the other side. They will form the limits of the platform and hold the logs together.
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Cut two notches two-inches deep, five inches from the edge, inside one of the logs, on each side of one of the poles that run across the logs. Do the same at the other end of the same log where the other pole stands. Cut notches into two more logs. These are the two outer logs and the one in the middle.
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Roll the first log into the water and place the poles across the top as before. Drive the pins into the notches so that they cross over the poles that lay across the log. Lift the two long poles to roll the logs one by one underneath them. Squeeze them tight. Drive the pins diagonally into the notches as you go.
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Lay at least 10 poles, three inches in diameter across the two long poles for more stability and to form a comfortable platform.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for dry logs; they are easier to haul to the water and float better.
Instead of six logs, you can use only three and space them out more.
Build the raft on the bank of the river if you cannot find a quiet spot in the water. You can push the raft into the water later.
If the current of the river is too strong, get a long and sturdy pole, pin it into the bottom of the water downstream and lay it against the raft to keep the raft from moving away.
Use bushes as a platform if finding poles is hard.
If you live in an area where there are honey locusts, use the thorns as pins.
Cut the notches along the length of the log, not across, to be able to adjust the wooden pins diagonally into the log.
Make sure you do not let the hatchet lie around while working. It is a hazard and you may lose it. The weeds can easily cover it. Pin it to a tree each time you are done with it.
References
Resources
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