Buzz
Crafting your own raft can be an exciting way to embark on an adventure, access a prime fishing spot, or just live out your inner Huckleberry Finn. While preparing the logs may take some time, once you start lashing them together, the rest of the process becomes a breeze. You can definitely do it on your own, but having a friend lend a hand can speed things up.
Steps
Preparing the Logs
Find eight 8-ft (2.4-m) logs, each about 12 inches (30 cm) thick. These will serve as the main buoyant logs that make up the body of your raft. Ideal wood types include cottonwood, poplar, and spruce. Avoid using heavy woods like oak, as they are too dense to float.
- Look for logs in a forest or buy them from a lumberjack. If you're in the woods and can't identify the trees, choose logs that feel lighter than the others.
- Use a handsaw to shorten longer logs to about 8 feet (240 cm). Alternatively, you can use a hatchet to cut saplings.
- Avoid logs that feel too heavy, as this indicates they are waterlogged and won’t float well.
Locate two 9 ft (2.7 m) logs, each approximately 6 inches (15 cm) thick. These will serve as the connecting beams that you'll position across the main body of your raft. The added length ensures you can secure the ropes properly to them.
- Use the same wood type as you did for the primary logs.
Use a hatchet to remove knots and bark. Although peeling off the bark isn’t strictly necessary, eliminating the knots, stubs, and smaller branches is essential. Without doing so, the raft won’t fit together as neatly.
- Take a hatchet and cut off the knots, stubs, and branches growing from your logs.
- If you’re camping, consider saving the removed bark and knots as kindling.
Carve notches into the logs if possible. While this isn’t strictly required, it’s strongly recommended as it helps the logs align more securely. Use a hatchet to carve 2 in (5.1 cm) deep notches at both ends of each log. The notches should span the width of the log and be positioned about 1 to 1 1⁄2 feet (30 to 46 cm) from the ends.
- Ensure the notches are on the same side of each log, similar to how you would arrange logs for a log cabin.
- Alternatively, you can flatten one side of each log with a hatchet.
Apply varnish to the logs, if you wish. This will help make the wood more water-resistant and prevent it from decaying. Use a brush to apply 3 to 5 thin layers of varnish, letting each coat dry to the touch before adding another. Once the final layer is applied, wait for the varnish to completely dry and cure, which may take a few days.
- While optional, varnishing can extend the lifespan of your raft, especially if you intend to use it multiple times.
Assembling the Frame
Move your logs into the water. You should take the logs far enough from shore so they can float; waist-deep water should suffice. This will not only make it easier to assemble the raft but also save you the trouble of dragging it across dry land once it’s done.
- Push the logs toward the water. You can also drag them by hand or use a rope to pull them.
- If the logs are too heavy for you, ask a friend to help you bring them into the water.
- You don’t need to move all the logs into the water at once, but keep them close by for easy access.
Arrange 2 floating logs parallel to each other, about 8 feet (2.4 m) apart. If you haven't already done so, move two of your main floating logs into the water and place them side by side. Position them horizontally so that they form an equals (=) sign.
- Ensure the logs are spaced approximately 8 feet (2.4 m) apart.
- These should be your 8 ft (2.4 m) long logs, each about 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) thick.
Place your thinner, connecting logs across the two main logs. You should now have a rough square or rectangular shape. Position these logs about 12 inches (30 cm) from the ends of the floating logs. Adjust the spacing between the floating logs until the connecting logs extend about 6 inches (15 cm) past the ends.
- If you flattened one side of each log, ensure the flat sides are facing each other.
- If you’ve cut notches into the logs, make sure the notches face each other so they fit together properly.
Secure the connecting log with a clove hitch knot. Start with one of the connecting logs and drape the end of your rope over it, right next to the left floating log. Wrap the shorter end of the rope around the connecting log, then cross it over the longer end to form a slanted angle. Pull it under the connecting log and then slide it under the slanted rope. Tighten the knot by pulling it firmly.
- The short end of your rope should be long enough to wrap around the connecting log 2 to 3 times.
Wrap the working end of the rope around the floating log to create an X pattern. Take the longer end of the rope and wrap it around the floating log once. Then, pull it diagonally across the connecting log. Wrap it around the floating log again and cross it over the connecting log to form an X shape.
- Pull the rope tight to prevent the logs from shifting.
Secure the connecting log with an overhand knot. Loosely wrap the rope around the connecting log, making sure you’re on the opposite side of the main log (working away from the clove hitch knot). Pass the rope under the looped section, then pull it tightly to secure the knot.
Repeat the process for the bottom connecting log on the left side. Take a fresh piece of rope and attach it to the end of the bottom connecting log using a clove hitch knot. Wrap it around the main log twice to form an X, then wrap it once around the connecting log. Finish by tying an overhand knot.
- Don’t tie the connecting logs on the right side yet; that step comes last.
Completing the Raft
Place your next floater log into position. Take another 8 ft (2.4 m) floater log and slide it under the two connecting logs. Roll it toward the left side of the frame.
- Ensure that the ends of this log align with the ends of the first log.
Wrap the rope around the main log, extending to each side of the connecting log. Start by wrapping the rope once around the top connecting log. Then, wrap it around the main log to one side of the connecting log. Pull it under the main log, then wrap it around the main log again, this time on the opposite side of the connecting log.
- You don’t have to form an X with the ropes as you did for the frame, but you can if you prefer.
Secure the rope around the connector log, finishing with an overhand knot. This step is similar to the one you followed when constructing the frame. Loop the rope around the connecting log once, then pull it beneath the looped rope to tie an overhand knot.
- This will complete the wrapping process.
Continue adding logs to the top connecting log until you reach the right side. Repeat the same steps you used previously. Loop the rope around the connecting log and tie an overhand knot. Add the next log, wrapping it around the log twice, then secure it with an overhand knot. Continue this process for the remaining logs.
- It's normal to have slight gaps between the logs.
- The final log may not be exactly 6 inches (15 cm) from the end of the connecting log, and that’s okay.
Finish off with a clove hitch knot. Wrap the rope around the end of the connecting log, cross it over the already wrapped rope, then pass it underneath the log again. As you bring it up, pull it under the crossed rope, then tighten it.
- Cut off any extra rope with a hatchet or scissors.
Repeat the process for the bottom connecting log. This side might be trickier because you’ll need to adjust the logs more to wrap the rope around them. You may need to uncoil the rope and thread it through the gaps between the logs, much like threading a needle.
- Ensure the logs remain straight as you secure them. You may need to shift them slightly to the left or right to keep them aligned.
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The diameter doesn’t need to be exactly 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), but it should be close. The key is ensuring all logs are roughly the same thickness.
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If the logs taper, alternate their orientations, similar to stacking books or binders.
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If you don’t have rope, you can use 12 in (30 cm) long pins made from a hardwood, such as oak. Sharpen one end of the pins like stakes.
The tips in this section come from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have any useful advice to share with others on Mytour, feel free to submit it in the space provided below.
- Drill a small hole through one piece of wood and attach a rope to it for easier maneuverability.
- Always use durable, high-quality rope.
Important Warnings
- Be responsible when using your raft. It’s safe to use on calm lakes or slow-moving rivers, but avoid taking it into swift currents or on long ocean trips.
- Check with local authorities before venturing onto any body of water. Not all locations permit rafts.
- Always wear a life jacket when on your raft. While it’s sturdy, there’s always a possibility it could fall apart, and it's better to be safe.
Items You’ll Need
- Eight 8 ft (2.4 m) long, 12 in (30 cm) thick logs
- Two 9 ft (2.7 m) long, 6 in (15 cm) thick logs
- Durable rope or twine
- Handsaw
- Hatchet
- Wood varnish (optional)
- Wide paintbrush (optional, for varnish)
