A hundred years ago this month, the June 1921 issue of Popular Mechanics showed these self-explanatory plans for a homemade raft.  The magazine specifies that the hulls should be logs of about 12 feet.  However, in many states, such a craft would require a license.  In most cases, this can be avoided by making the craft slightly smaller.  For example, Minnesota requires no license for a non-motorized craft of 10 feet or less.

For any size boat, including this one, most states have a certain level of minimum equipment.  For example, Minnesota requires life jackets and a white lantern or flashlight visible for at least two miles.

While most states do not require adults to wear the flotation device, in the case of this homemade expedient raft, it would be highly recommended.