> I am trying to find out how to build a raft for a raft race which is
> happening in the near future.

> Thanks

> Dave

Interesting aside. I can say that I had some success with a design that allowed me and a buddy win the Ipswich River Raft Race and win the "Most Uniquely Powered Raft" award in the first WBZ (Boston) "Almost Anything That Floats" raft race down the Charles River (both 1985). I took two panels of 2 in. thick styrofoam board insulation, cut them into three equal strips (roughly 12 in. wide x 8 ft. long) and lashed them together to make two separate pontoons. I made a wooden frame to align the pontoons to be arranged like a Hobie Cat. I carved the fore ends of the styrofoam to make raised prows. I welded some lightweight galvanized sheet metal skegs and fastened them in. The raft is powered by paddlers on each pontoon, with each guy laying flat down on each pontoon. The paddling motion is like that of a surfer on a board trying get out to the breakers. The 1/4 mile Ipswich race was a rout, while the 3 mile Charles R. race proved to be a bit more problematic since we wore wetsuits to minimize contact with that wonderful water (but we finished mid-pack anyway out of about 100 rafts). Good luck. Paul C.