Where can I find detailed resources on how to build a raft?
February 13, 2012 7:32 AM Subscribe
Where can I find detailed resources on how to build a raft?
Perhaps my google-fu is weak, or I'm just not digging deep enough, but I would like to find some documentation on how to build a raft using only natural (biodegradable) resources, particularly in the "desert island" scenario: no tools and limited resources.
Many of the first results after searching online seem lacking. They are either too vague or require materials that I can't use (No nails, manufactured planks or store-bought rope/string). Any detailed instructions on how to create "rope" from natural resources and lashing instructions would be particularly helpful.
Perhaps my google-fu is weak, or I'm just not digging deep enough, but I would like to find some documentation on how to build a raft using only natural (biodegradable) resources, particularly in the "desert island" scenario: no tools and limited resources.
Many of the first results after searching online seem lacking. They are either too vague or require materials that I can't use (No nails, manufactured planks or store-bought rope/string). Any detailed instructions on how to create "rope" from natural resources and lashing instructions would be particularly helpful.
You may need to add googleable terms like "survival" to your terms, or "wilderness" I found this which looks like it's what you are looking for. There's some other stuff in the forums.
posted by jessamyn at 8:00 AM on February 13, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 8:00 AM on February 13, 2012
Best answer: If you haven't already, read up on the Kon-Tiki and the Tangaroa.
Raftplan.com has some simple directions for making a log raft.
Instructables how to make rope out of dead plants.
posted by zinon at 8:05 AM on February 13, 2012
Raftplan.com has some simple directions for making a log raft.
Instructables how to make rope out of dead plants.
posted by zinon at 8:05 AM on February 13, 2012
Best answer: Creating rope from natural sources is going to be a tremendously labor-intensive process, requiring "desert island" levels of free time. And it will require a surprisingly large quantity of the source material. For example, yucca plants were used for cordage here in the Southwestern USA, but I would need a small yucca farm to get enough cordage to build a raft. Taking yucca from local parks/open spaces would be illegal and create a real eyesore.
Perhaps you could use rawhide cordage instead? But it tends to weaken and stretch and tear in water.... Frankly, I think you have to let yourself buy the rope. But in case you're stubborn enough to try making your own, here is a page of search results at Instructables on cordage.
Once you have cordage, you need something to lash it with. Thor Heyerdahl sailed a balsa log raft from South America to Polynesia, as zinon mentioned, but where are you going to get balsa logs? I suspect that the easiest material to come by for the main components would be bamboo. If that's not possible, you want the lowest-density wood possible.
Once you have wood and rope, you need to understand The Lost Art of Lashing.
And once you've created the basic structure of your raft, you need to have a way to make it go where you want it to. You might want to look into the yuloh, or oars and thole pins. (An oar, paddle or yuloh can be a flattish piece of wood -- shaped with a stone adze? -- lashed onto a branch, it doesn't have to involve store-bought lumber.)
I would advise against relying solely upon sail for getting around on your raft, as that will only give you the ability to go downwind. Hull shape is essential in sailing in any other direction, and if there's one thing you won't have, it's hull shape.
Good luck, and let us know if you survive the experiment ;^)
posted by richyoung at 8:15 AM on February 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
Perhaps you could use rawhide cordage instead? But it tends to weaken and stretch and tear in water.... Frankly, I think you have to let yourself buy the rope. But in case you're stubborn enough to try making your own, here is a page of search results at Instructables on cordage.
Once you have cordage, you need something to lash it with. Thor Heyerdahl sailed a balsa log raft from South America to Polynesia, as zinon mentioned, but where are you going to get balsa logs? I suspect that the easiest material to come by for the main components would be bamboo. If that's not possible, you want the lowest-density wood possible.
Once you have wood and rope, you need to understand The Lost Art of Lashing.
And once you've created the basic structure of your raft, you need to have a way to make it go where you want it to. You might want to look into the yuloh, or oars and thole pins. (An oar, paddle or yuloh can be a flattish piece of wood -- shaped with a stone adze? -- lashed onto a branch, it doesn't have to involve store-bought lumber.)
I would advise against relying solely upon sail for getting around on your raft, as that will only give you the ability to go downwind. Hull shape is essential in sailing in any other direction, and if there's one thing you won't have, it's hull shape.
Good luck, and let us know if you survive the experiment ;^)
posted by richyoung at 8:15 AM on February 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
Here is a cool one made out of bamboo.
A google search using "bamboo raft building" led to nearly 5,000 hits.
Bamboo seems like a very logical thing to use as it's easy to find and a lot easier to move around by yourself than logs. Most everyone I know who has bamboo growing in their yard is happy to give some away if asked as it tends to spread.
posted by mareli at 9:40 AM on February 13, 2012
A google search using "bamboo raft building" led to nearly 5,000 hits.
Bamboo seems like a very logical thing to use as it's easy to find and a lot easier to move around by yourself than logs. Most everyone I know who has bamboo growing in their yard is happy to give some away if asked as it tends to spread.
posted by mareli at 9:40 AM on February 13, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ChrisHartley at 7:55 AM on February 13, 2012