> 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.

Check with your local water control. A lot of places DO NOT allow styro craft.