How to Make a Raft Out of Wood
Nothing says "Tom Sawyer" like a river raft made out of logs instead of wooden boards. You want your raft to float safely, so you'll add a couple of flotation devices on a sturdy wooden frame, but don't tell Huck Finn. This is a weekend project. The expense is a variable depending upon how you gather your material.
Things You'll Need
- 2 Sealed oil drums
- Heavy gauge wire
- 2 -- 2x4x144" cedar
- 2 -- 2x4x68" cedar
- 24 6x72" logs
- Drill
- Saw
- Waterproof marine sealant
- Large bristle paintbrush
- Galvanized woodscrews
- Wood glue
- Decorative rope
Instructions
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1
Cut all of the logs so that they have even widths. Finish the cedar frame pieces with two coats of waterproof marine sealant.
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2
Build a rectangular frame from the pieces of cedar. Drill pilot holes for each screw. Use a drop of wood glue in each hole before screwing together.
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3
Cut a 2x2" notch 2 ½" from the end of each log. Measure to be sure the notches are directly over the frame. Adjust if necessary.
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4
Use the decorative rope wound around the notches to lash the logs together. The log raft top will be approximately 12' long and 6' wide.
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5
Drill pilot holes through the rope and logs. Screw the logs to the frame. Turn the raft over and screw from the bottom up through the logs. This makes the raft much more stable.
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6
In the middle of the ends of the cedar frame, drill about eight holes the width of the sealed oil drums. Wrap heavy galvanized wire tightly around each drum and through the drill holes. The drums are secured to the frame and provide buoyancy to ensure the raft won't sink.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rig a small tent on board to shelter from too much sun. It also makes a great picnic platform for adventuresome youngsters, even if there isn't any water for miles around.
Never use a device such as this unless you are wearing a life jacket.
