Nathan Hay, of Balclutha, has been working over the past few weeks with an expanded team of about 12 to put together what could be the biggest raft in the Big River Raft Race in Balclutha tomorrow.
The raft, constructed with plastic drums and wooden pallets, is designed to float down the Clutha River and cross the finish line among the other 11 entries in the race.
Mr Hay had not yet tested whether the 6m by 3m vessel would float.
"If it sinks, it sinks. If it falls to bits, then we won’t be too worried — we’ll float down."
In case of emergency, there was a small inflatable raft on board as well.
Mr Hay and eight others would be on the raft, although he noted it could "probably fit more".
The river-faring crew all worked together at the local freezing works, which was why the raft and team were named the Lamb Cutters Nutters.
The crew took it in turns over the past week to work on the raft.
By tomorrow, Mr Hay hoped to have slingshots attached to fire back eggs and flour from landlubber crowds.
Event organiser Laura Moore was happy with the number of rafts entered but would like to see more next year. People were encouraged to lob flour and eggs at the rafts, usually from the Balclutha bridge, but hard objects were banned.
Ms Moore anticipated the race would start at 10.30am, after a safety briefing, and most rafts would be over the line by noon.
The local LandSAR and Surf Life Saving Club would be monitoring the situation in case things went awry.
