Lay out 12 pool noodles to serve as the raft’s foundation.
How to Create the Mast for the Pirate Raft
Once the pirate raft’s base is complete, you can proceed to building the mast. This part of the project is a little tricky. We needed a power drill to make the holes necessary to connect the two PVC pipe pieces that we used to build our mast. Additionally, you will require this drill to make smaller holes so that you can attach the sail. So here are the materials and instructions for building the mast, if you don’t mind using power tools.
Small plastic pipes (2)
Power drill
Nut and bolt
Sharpie marker
Make a cross with your 2 plastic pipes and mark the area with a sharpie marker to create your holes.
Use a power drill to make the holes in the pipes and insert a bolt through the pipes and secure with a nut.
Drill 6–8 smaller holes across the horizontal pipe in order to attach your sail later in this project. The number of holes will depend on the number of openings on your shower curtain sail.
Cut out a hole in the top of the overlapping noodle. Insert the pipe into the noodle and secure with rope.
Tie a piece of rope around the intersection of the pipes. Secure this rope around the center noodle at the base of the raft.
How to Make a Raft Using Pool Noodles
The base of the pirate raft, which is made of foam pool noodles, is its main component. Your kids will have a blast on this float all summer if you properly assemble the noodles using small plastic pipes and nylon rope.
Four pieces of cord channel were used for the plastic pipes in this project’s component. This item is available in the cord organization section of any hardware store. The materials list and detailed instructions for building the raft’s base are provided below.
Foam pool noodles (13)
Nylon rope (100 ft)
Small plastic pipes (4)
Box cutter
Tape measure
Sharpie marker
Place 12 of the foam pool noodles side by side. Measure 4 inches from both ends and mark with a sharpie marker. Also mark the center of each noodle at 16 and 32 inches.
Take a box cutter or other sharp knife and cut a small circle around the measured marks. Firmly push through to the center of the noodle with your finger or thumb. (Tip: If you are having trouble pushing through the noodles, use a screwdriver or other sharp object to help open up the holes.)
After these circles have been cut out, take your small plastic pipe measuring approximately 30 inches long and push through each of the noodles. Carefully repeat this process with the other 3 pipes. Make sure to stay in the center of each noodle.
Cut the nylon rope into 4 pieces measuring approximately 12 feet each. Insert the rope into each pipe and tie a knot at both ends to prevent it from slipping out.
Weave the rope back and forth between the noodles to help secure the base of the raft. Tie a knot after the weaving is complete.
Cut the final pool noodle into two pieces measuring approximately 30 inches each. Tie these noodles on top of the attached noodles at both ends with the rope. Once these noodles are in place, the base of your pirate raft is complete.
Our completed mast for the pirate raft.
FAQ
Can you make a raft with pool noodles?
However, all of the rafts have fallen a little short because they give too much when rowdy children try to pull up on them. This DIY Pool Raft is the perfect solution. A few swim noodles and a camping raft make for an incredibly cozy lounge area that’s also sturdy and adaptable enough for kids to enjoy.
What are noodle floats made of?
A cylinder-shaped piece of flexible, buoyant polyethylene foam is called a pool noodle.
How do you glue pool noodles together?
All you need is a length of 1″ diameter PVC pipe and a few standard pool noodles, each measuring approximately 2 1/4″ in diameter.
