Today, we finished our logo for the raft. True to its Celtic origins, it will give us good luck. I'm still deciding on how to display it. I don't know if we should paint in on the raft or display it with a flag. If you would please, comment on what you think would be best.
Barrels/Design:
Moving on to barrels...we measured our barrels today, they are 35 inches long so my raft will be 8X10 feet with three barrels on each side. All three barrels together will be 8.75 feet long and will fit perfectly under the raft with 6 inches to spare! Each barrel can support 400 pounds of weight so all together we can support 2,400 pounds. This will definitely support the weight of the raft, the gear and our crew with plenty to spare.
Last night my Dad and I put together a supply list. Tomorrow we will go to our local hardware store and price them to get an idea of how much it will cost to build the raft.
Research:
Although I hate flipping through the pages of a boater's safety manual, it will be good to know when we're actually out on the lake. Most boats go a little bit faster that us so safety is really important. Due to NC regulations we need a fire extinguisher, a life jacket for each member of our crew, and a sound producing device such as an air horn, whistle or bell and lights. Most regulations are designed for boats with motors but these are good safety practices for all boats.
I am planning on taking a boater's safety class in March taught by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. This is not required for our raft, but all knowledge helps.
Also, I found out that rowboats, canoes, and rafts moved only by oars, paddles, or the current do not need registration in North Carolina. Yay!
I've also been mapping out the lake where the maiden voyage will take place. I have asked a friend of mine if we can launch from their dock.
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| The Celtic sign for good luck is now the symbol of our raft! |
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