Log raft design

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by hannapiana, Jul 14, 2010.

  1. hannapiana
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 3
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Finland

    hannapiana New Member

    Hi everyone

    I'm totally new to this and need to ask what is probably a very simple question about building a log raft :)

    I'm building a log raft for an art project. It only has to carry me (I weigh 55kgs). I'm currently in the Finnish forest and the only logs I can manage are quite short (about 1.5m). All of the designs I've looked at online say that the main logs should be long, with two shorter logs holding them together. Is it possible to do it the other way around, so the shorter logs make up the raft, and the longer logs hold it together? Or would this make it harder to float?

    Thanks everyone!

    Cheers
     
  2. uncookedlentil
    Joined: May 2008
    Posts: 81
    Likes: 1, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 8
    Location: Olympic peninsula Washington

    uncookedlentil Junior Member

    Build it with two long logs with enough flotation to support your weight and the required 1.5 decking clear of the water and you'll have a neanderthal dream come true, the Dawn Catamaran! :)
     
  3. hannapiana
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 3
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Finland

    hannapiana New Member

    Thanks for your help!
     
  4. TeddyDiver
    Joined: Dec 2007
    Posts: 2,618
    Likes: 138, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 1650
    Location: Finland/Norway

    TeddyDiver Gollywobbler

    You can do as you suggested, it's just more resistance and harder to pole ahead.. The hard part in log rafts is to bind the structure together in a way that holds reliably..
    BR Teddy
     
  5. Leo Lazauskas
    Joined: Jan 2002
    Posts: 2,696
    Likes: 155, Points: 63, Legacy Rep: 2229
    Location: Adelaide, South Australia

    Leo Lazauskas Senior Member

    What a bunch of artless yahoos!

    I suggest you use short logs to build a dodecahedron structure and then stand inside it. Naked. Then you can tumble across the surface of the water while doing something arty. With a fish.

    Leo.
     
  6. hannapiana
    Joined: Jul 2010
    Posts: 3
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Finland

    hannapiana New Member

    All great suggestions :D

    Thanks everyone!
     

  7. TeddyDiver
    Joined: Dec 2007
    Posts: 2,618
    Likes: 138, Points: 73, Legacy Rep: 1650
    Location: Finland/Norway

    TeddyDiver Gollywobbler

    Always a pleasure to help a lady :) And surely want to see if you'll realize Leo's suggestion :D
     
Loading...
Similar Threads
  1. jakeeeef
    Replies:
    29
    Views:
    2,708
  2. thenavalarch
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    1,135
  3. manon
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,847
  4. Thule
    Replies:
    74
    Views:
    3,930
  5. Jimboat
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    1,299
  6. Chris Harding
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    1,112
  7. Squidly-Diddly
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    768
  8. mustafaumu sarac
    Replies:
    9
    Views:
    1,508
  9. rael dobkins
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    803
  10. Jeff in Boston
    Replies:
    37
    Views:
    5,005
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.