Launch

As predicted, the platforms were simple to launch due to their modularity. They were easily loaded onto a canoe, small motorboat, as well as towed by kayak. One launching trick that worked especially well was Lee Attix’s idea of attaching a rope to the platform, kayaking to a distant point, and then pulling the raft across the lake by reeling in the rope from the distant shore (see video below). 

Launching was easily accomplished with two people. Planting boxes, which can weigh 60 pounds each, should only be attached once the raft is already floating. Both hog rings and heavy duty zip ties were tested as means to attach the planting boxes, and at haul out it was observed that zip ties are much preferable as they can be easily snipped without marring the coating on the trap wire. In order to simplify the attachment of the boxes, the design was modified to include a ridge of wire extending upward from each of the long sides of the base. This free edge, now a standard feature, creates an easily accessible surface for the attachment of the planting boxes in the absence of an avian guard.

Once the rafts were floating with planting boxes attached, the waterline was adjusted by adding or removing soil. Keeping the base about 1” above the waterline proved to be helpful in keeping the plants and soil on the base moist during times of drought.

Haul Out

At the end of the season, the modularity of the rafts made haul out simple, as once the planting boxes were removed, the platforms were easily lifted and moved on shore. Water-soaked planting boxes can be heavy, so while moving them is doable with one person (Lee Attix hauled out and stowed our heaviest platform as a solo effort), it is much easier with two people.