Building a Functional Raft for River and Lake Crossings
Need to cross water? Then you need a raft.
And unless you’re planning on carrying one on your back, your best bet is to build it yourself.
Read on and learn how to create a dependable watercraft out of practically nothing.
Choosing the Right Materials
The first rule of raft building: Select your materials wisely.
When building a raft, the materials you choose will determine its buoyancy and durability.
Selecting the Right Wood
Lightweight and Buoyant – Cedar, pine, and spruce are excellent choices due to their buoyancy and availability. Cedar is particularly favored for its lightweight nature and resistance to water damage. Pine is commonly found and easy to work with, while spruce offers a good balance between strength and buoyancy.
Testing Wood – Use your knife to test the wood. It should be strong, not rotten or green, as dry wood offers better buoyancy and stability. Dry wood is less likely to absorb water, which helps maintain the raft’s buoyancy over time. Ensure the wood is free from any signs of decay or insect infestation, which could weaken its structure.
Avoid Heavy Woods – Dense woods like oak and hickory are less buoyant and more challenging to work with. These types of wood are heavy and can sink more easily. Additionally, they are harder to cut and shape, which can be a significant disadvantage when resources and tools are limited.
Rope and Binding Materials
Natural Cordage – Vines and willow branches can be used for binding logs together. Ensure they are flexible and strong. Vines like kudzu or wild grapevine are particularly effective due to their strength and flexibility. Willow branches, known for their pliability, can be woven tightly around logs to secure them.
Synthetic Rope – If available, paracord or synthetic rope provides superior strength and durability. Paracord, with its high tensile strength, is ideal for creating secure bindings that can withstand significant stress. It’s also resistant to rot and mildew.
Improvised Binding – In the absence of rope, strips of bark from trees like basswood can be effective. Basswood bark is strong and can be easily peeled and twisted into rope-like strands. It’s essential to strip the bark carefully to avoid damaging the tree unnecessarily.
Gathering and Preparing Materials
Understanding Your Environment
Before starting construction, assess your surroundings to identify suitable materials and a safe building location.
Scavenging for Materials
Fallen Logs – Look for fallen logs and branches, which are often already dried out and easier to work with. These logs are typically lighter and more buoyant, having lost much of their moisture content. Fallen logs also minimize the environmental impact of your raft-building activities.
Cutting and Shaping – Use your knife or axe to cut logs to a uniform length. Aim for lengths between eight and twelve feet. Uniform lengths ensure a more balanced and stable raft. Carefully plan your cuts to maximize the use of each log and minimize waste.
Preparing the Logs
Smoothing Edges – Use a knife or axe to smooth the edges of the logs, reducing the risk of splinters and improving the fit. Smooth edges also help the binding materials adhere better.
Debarking – Remove bark from the logs to prevent rot and provide a smoother surface for binding. Debarking also helps in reducing the weight of the logs.
Additionally, it prevents insects and fungi that thrive under bark from weakening the logs over time.
Binding the Logs Together
A well-bound raft is key to its stability on the water. Here’s how to bind your logs effectively:
Laying the Foundation
Arrange Logs – Lay the largest logs side by side to form the base of the raft. Start with the thickest and most buoyant logs as they will provide the primary support. Arrange them closely to avoid large gaps that could compromise buoyancy.
Tight Packing – Ensure the logs are tightly packed together to prevent gaps that could reduce buoyancy. Tight packing also ensures that the raft remains stable and doesn't shift or break apart under stress. Align the logs as evenly as possible to create a flat and stable surface.
Binding Techniques
Basic Binding – Start by tying each log to its neighbor with a clove hitch or similar knot. The clove hitch is simple to tie and effective for securing logs. Make sure each knot is tight and secure, as loose bindings can cause the raft to fall apart under pressure.
Cross-Binding – Place shorter logs perpendicular to the base logs and bind them securely to enhance stability. This technique distributes weight more evenly and prevents the logs from rolling or shifting. Cross-binding adds rigidity and strength to the structure, making it more resilient.
Multiple Points – Bind the logs at several points to ensure a stable raft. Secure bindings at the ends, middle, and several intermediate points. This prevents the logs from flexing or bending under weight, maintaining the raft’s integrity.
Related Read: Surviving the Unthinkable: How to Stay Alive in the World's Most Extreme Environments
Constructing the Raft
Constructing the Framework
The framework is the backbone of your raft. A strong, well-constructed framework ensures stability and durability.
Creating a Stable Structure
Interlocking Branches – Use interlocking branches to form a stable structure. Carve notches in the logs with your knife to help them fit together securely.
Reinforcement – Continuously test and reinforce weak points. Adjust components for a snug fit using your knife or axe. Reinforcing the raft as you build helps identify and address potential weaknesses early, preventing structural failure later on.
Insulation and Flooring
Adding Insulation – Gather leaves, grass, or moss and use your knife to cut and shape these materials. Insulation provides comfort and helps keep you dry. Creating a layer of insulation can also protect the logs from excessive moisture, extending the raft’s lifespan.
Creating a Floor – Lay smaller branches or reeds on top of the raft to create a flat, stable surface. This not only provides a more comfortable platform but also distributes weight more evenly, enhancing stability. Ensure the floor is tightly bound to the main structure to prevent it from shifting.
Final Touches
Your raft should be more than just functional; it should also be comfortable and easy to navigate.
Enhancing Buoyancy
Additional Buoyancy – Attach empty plastic bottles or sealed containers under the raft for extra buoyancy. Secure them with rope or vines. These additional buoyant elements help keep the raft afloat even if the logs become saturated with water.
Balancing Weight – Distribute weight evenly across the raft to maintain balance and prevent tipping. Carefully plan where you place your gear and yourself to ensure the raft remains level and stable.
Crafting Paddles
Carving Paddles – Carve paddles from sturdy branches. Ensure they have a broad, flat end for effective paddling. Select branches that are strong yet flexible, and carve them to a shape that provides maximum leverage with minimal effort.
Smooth Edges – Smooth the edges of the paddles with your knife to avoid splinters and improve grip. A well-crafted paddle not only enhances your ability to navigate but also reduces the risk of injury during prolonged use.
Testing and Launching Your Raft
Pre-Launch Check
Before setting out on the water, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure your raft is ready for the journey.
Stability and Buoyancy
Weight Test – Place the raft in shallow water and gradually add weight to test its buoyancy. Monitor how the raft handles the load and make adjustments as needed.
Balance Check – Ensure the raft remains stable and does not tip or tilt under the weight. Walk around on the raft to check for any instability.
Launching the Raft
Choosing a Launch Site – Select a calm, shallow area for launching. Avoid areas with strong currents or obstacles that could damage the raft. A smooth, gradual entry into the water helps maintain stability.
Boarding the Raft – Enter the water gradually to maintain stability. Use the paddles to push off from the shore. Ensure everyone boards in a balanced manner to prevent tipping. Keep your movements slow and deliberate to avoid destabilizing the raft.
Safety Considerations
Wear Life Jackets – Always wear a life jacket if available. A life jacket can save your life in the event of an accident or capsizing. It’s a crucial safety measure, especially in deep or fast-moving water.
Check Weather Conditions – Avoid rafting during storms or high winds. Adverse weather conditions can make rafting extremely dangerous. Always check the weather forecast before embarking and avoid going out if conditions are unfavorable.
Related Read: Outsmart the Storm: Proven Methods to Survive Thunderstorms in the Wild
Buddy System – Never raft alone, if you can help it. Always have at least one other person with you. Having a companion increases safety, as they can assist in emergencies and help with navigation and repairs. The buddy system ensures that help is always available.
Practice these skills regularly, and you'll be prepared to navigate any waterway with confidence.