How to Build a Wooden Raft
Whether you're looking for an engaging summertime activity, or you're interested in learning creative survival techniques, learning how to build a wooden raft can be an intriguing project. Your finished raft can be used for a relaxing float on the lake, a quick trip upstream, or a simple learning experience for the wilderness buff looking to add to their store of knowledge.
Things You'll Need
- Axe One Dozen 12-foot logs, 12" in diameter Two 7- to 8-foot logs, 4-6" in diameter Twine or substitute
Instructions
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Build a Raft
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1
Take 12 large logs, approximately 12 feet in length, and lay them on the ground parallel to one another, forming a platform. A platform constructed of 12 of these logs will ensure a large, stable raft.
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2
Cut dovetail notches with the axe no more than two inches deep into the ends of each log, starting the cut about a foot away from each end. A dovetail cut is about two inches wide at the top of the cut, but gets wider at the bottom.
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3
Line up the notches on the logs so that they are even. You should be able to look straight through the line of notches from one side to the other.
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4
Trim the ends of the shorter, seven- or eight-foot logs so that they are triangular in shape, making them easier to insert into the notches.
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5
Slide the smaller logs into the notches, forming cross beams that lay across the platform of longer logs.
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6
Wet your twine thoroughly. This will cause it to stretch, giving you more to work with. Lash the cross beams to the raft body using the twine. Use as much twine as you have available, making sure the lashes are as tight as possible.
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Tips & Warnings
When lashing the pieces together, always wet your binding material. Twine, or other fibrous materials, will stretch when they get wet. Using wet twine will allow the twine to stretch as far as possible during the construction phase, so it may not stretch as much on the water.
Build this raft at your own risk. Following these instructions may not guarantee a seaworthy vessel.
