We are going to attempt to build a raft and need suggestions?  

Over the weekend my son wanted to build a boat that he could float in our neighbourhood stream. His dad got involved, out came the Skill Saw, electric drills, and many, many boxes of tools.

It took the better part of Saturday to erect what was dubbed, The Oblivion and it came out looking a bit like a small shelving unit converted into a pirate ship.

As far as I could tell, it wasn't going to float. It was too heavy, it was too narrow, and it had nothing but a rudder like attachment which wasn't going to help it steer or stay vertical. It turned out my assessment was spot on and it sank like a lead balloon.

Today, my husband is back at work and the kids have the day off school and we are going to take a wack at building something that actually floats. It is going to be Design Number One, and probably only the first of many models, so please share your experiences and suggestions!

I am going to try to make something suitable for lego sized men using bamboo and lashed together by fishing line. I have no idea what to do about a sail or if it will be heavy enough. I am thinking along the lines of Robinson Crusoe, not the Black Pearle.

I would love to hear of any boats or ships you built and which were successful? Even disaster stories would be welcome, as I am sure we will make our shre of blunders!