If you need anymore help/advise then contact us. We will be more than happy to help.

CONSTRUCTING YOUR RAFT


List of Materials & Key Facts

	•	Use 5 Gallon Barrels (Approx 20 for 4 Person and 12 for a 2 Person Raft)
	•	Raft Width 5ft/1.8 metres Max
	•	Raft length will obviously depend on barrel size etc. (must not exceed 15ft/4.5 metres).
	•	Wooden/Aluminium Ladder or 6″x1″, 2″x1″ Timber for raft construction
	•	Strapping or Rope for binding barrels. (Strapping tool may be loaned to you if necessary).
	•	Life jackets for all rafters.
	•	Single bladed paddles for all rafters.
	•	Seats for all rafters.
	•	Two number boards for clearly displaying the Raft Number (one at each end of raft).
	•	Two 3 metre lengths of rope (to be securely attached at each end of the raft).

		Life Jackets & Paddles

Raft Construction

Constructing your raft using a ladder (wooden or aluminum)

1. Lay barrels out in a line and then position the ladder on top of barrels.
Note: As per point 4 also position running strip on the base.

2. Using the banding tool, strap the ladder to the barrels.
Note: Remember the running strip as per point 4.

3. You can use rope (instead of strapping & banding tool) to strap ladder to barrels. Note: Use rope instead of baler twine as used in the picture below.

4. Adding a running strip on the base of raft pontoon.
This can help with the fish ladder and shallow areas of the river.

5. Adding the 6″x1″ (5ft Max Length) to join both raft pontoons.
Note: 6″x1″ (5ft length Max) timbers need to be at each end of the raft.

Secure 6″x1″ timber by drilling through the ladder and fixing as per the picture below.

6. Secure foot rest and seat to the ladder in a similar manner.

Constructing your raft using 2″x1″ and 6″x1″ connected timbers

1. Attach the four pieces of 2″x1″ and 6″x1″ timbers to create two ‘L’ shape lengths.

2. Lay the barrels in a line and then position the two strips of 2″x1″ and 6″x1″ connected timbers on top of barrels as per the picture below.
Note: As per point 3 also position running strip on the base.

Using the banding tool, strap the barrels into position.
Note: Rope could also be used strap the barrels together.

3. Adding a running strip on the base of raft pontoon.
This can help with the fish ladder and shallow areas of the river.

4. Adding the 6″x1″ (5ft Max Length) to join both raft pontoons.
Note: 6″x1″ (5ft length Max) timbers need to be at each end of the raft.

Please Note:The screws are not fully seated into the wood for pictorial purposes only.

5. To raise the front barrel in order to streamline the raft in the river.
Cut approx 10cm of the 2″x1″ time at the front of the raft.

6. Position the first barrel as per the picture below and strap using the banding tool.

7. Position and secure foot rests and seats as necessary.

There you have it…… you’ve all the construction information needed to enter the Rother Raft Race. The raft can now be painted and decorated to your taste!!


Remember, the information above is for guidance only as you can design, construct and build a raft as you wish because at the end of the day, there are no hard and fast rules.

PLEASE NOTE: This specification advice is exclusively designed for the River Rother Raft Race.

This design is NOT suitable for marine activities i.e. the English Channel or Gibraltar Straight.

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