Raft

Term given to a collection of timber, boards, etc. fastened together compactly by means of ropes, chains, etc. capable of being floated on a river, sea or lake from one place to another. Rafts are sometimes employed for the transport of goods, also for the preservation of pa engers, or of a ve el’s crew in cases of Shipwreck. The term is likewise applied to a fabric consisting of two or more airtight tubes of zinc or other sheet metal, about 20 inches in diameter, firmly attached to each other by cro connections, and intended to serve as a life preserver; Pa enger-steamers usually carry several.