building a raft to do 7.5miles on a river?

Take into consideration that a fifty gallon plastic drum, will provide about 400lbs of buoyancy. So, properly fastened, they will be more than up to the task, the real key is to make sure that the fixings are solid, and of course, that the drums are properly watertight. The most common flaw I've seen in the past is that fixings come loose.

Filling the drum with expanding foam, would reduce the overall buoyancy by about 10%, though does add a secondary safety margin.

As to propulsion, well, that all depends on the rules, if you are allowed a motor, then really, its not a raft.. that said, I am sure that a little engineering could create a hand-cranked impellor.. Always have Oars, and a spare oar or two for those 'oops' moments..

Oh, and boarding hooks for when the YARR!! takes over..
 
Ceryndrion said:
As to propulsion, well, that all depends on the rules, if you are allowed a motor, then really, its not a raft..

Oh, and boarding hooks for when the YARR!! takes over..
Click to expand...

very good point about the engine not really making it a raft!

and i have my jack sparrow outfit for that.... ;)
 
thinking 4 barrels - 4 people (each sits on a barrel) in a 2x2 formation lanced together by wood going across and diagonally. Could always use that expanding foam to make a bow on each barrel which might make it easier...

what say you?

YARR ME HEARTIES!... :D
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom