Make a run to the nearest well-stocked hardware store and pick up the materials required including:

• Dimensional pressure-treated lumber

2-by-10’s for the framing and joists.

• Cedar lumber

4-by-4’s for the pergola uprights, 2-by-6’s for the pergola cross-pieces, planks for the decking, plus additional two-by and one-by stock for the bench seating, storage boxes and other goodies.

• Hot-dipped galvanized tie connectors

When using ACQ pressure-treated lumber, be sure to use connectors and fasteners that meet the appropriate ASTM G-185 standards or better. Failure to do so will likely result in your connectors and fasteners slowly dissolving away and your swim raft nothing more than a loose pile of wood at the bottom of the lake.

• Large plastic barrels

Also known as rainwater tanks or rain barrels, eight to ten of these will provide pontoon-style floatation. They’ll need to have lids and be sealed air-tight.

• Swim ladder

Also known as a boarding ladder, these can be found at your local marine supply store.

• Anchor and chain

These can also be found at your local marine supply store or fashioned out of something really heavy lying around the cottage. A wisecrack about your brother here will likely earn you a punch in the nose.

• Portable charcoal BBQ

BBQ accessories — like a fire extinguisher and water bucket — may come in handy.

• A large insulated cooler

A cooler with at least 48 quarts of cubic volume is more than enough for your on-board consumption needs but the extra empty space is important if you want to have it floating in the water in a hidden compartment underneath the swim raft.

• Electric trolling motor

Around 40-50 lbs. of thrust, variable speed, battery indicator, telescopic handle and whatever the heck a digital maximizer is, are things to look for in a trolling motor.

• Solar panel and a marine battery or two

A solar panel in the neighbourhood of 300 watts should keep the motor’s battery well-charged for those long excursions out onto the lake.

• Plenty of fasteners

A large selection of weather-resistant screws, nails, lag bolts, and hex bolts are a must in any cottage building project. If you’re using pressure-treated lumber, you’ll need specially-treated fasteners.