Im building my first raft and need advice

[SamSam]

Originally Posted by mordacil

sorry, the 2x4x12s were meant to be close enough to sit on and be supported by the barrels, thats jsut imprecise drawing on my part. what are "scabs"? the 2x4x8's are positioned so as to hold the barrels from sliding forward or back as the straps or cables hold them from going to either side. is using chemically treated 2x4s necessary? and I want to use OSB board for the deck because it is cheap and water resistant.

If you had two plywood edges butted to each other with no support underneath, a scab would be something like a 1x4 underneath the seam screwed and glued to both pieces of ply to help support them. How long do you want the raft to last? Treated wood will last longer. Some kinds of OSB won't last long at all. Sam

[mordacil]

what would be a good way to fasten the barrels to the raft. I have Ideas. one is to follow this example http://www.captainfletch.com/project...barrel_top.asp using steel cable and eyebolt. #2 idea is to do a similar thing using thick electrical cord instead of steel cable. #3 is to use cargo ratchet straps (I odnt know how these handle in water).

[mordacil]

Ive finished the raft and have tested it on a lake (someone else has those pics and hasnt given them to me yet). here are some pics of the finished product. thanks for your advice

[alan white]

Don't use OSB! Use Advantek, which is under $20.00 (3/4), and has a 50 year rot guarantee.

I posted on the other thread you might strap the barrels with 1/8"x1" flat bar for cost, strength, and longevity. Cable costs, and the ends are more work to deal with. They make the flat bar stuff galvanized and with holes too, which easily makes the radius. In the fencing section at Home Depot, i think.

[alan white]

There ya go, Huck. Too late for advice now!

Alan