Mechanical Rafts

Xiefa original: 械筏; This refers to rafts constructed from standardized military equipment, specifically spears, rather than dedicated boat-building timber.

Mechanical Rafts are constructed by taking ten spears and binding them into a single bundle. One such bundle possesses enough buoyancy to support the weight of one person.

• Scale and Capacity: As a standard rule, five thousand spears are used to create a single large raft.
• Preparation: The spears must have their butt-spikes zun original: 鐏; the metal counterweight or spike at the base of a spear shaft and blades removed.
• Assembly: The shafts are arranged in an overlapping pattern, similar to fish scales original: 鱗次 (linci); implying a staggered, tight-knit arrangement for structural integrity, and are lashed together both lengthwise and crosswise. A raft of this magnitude is capable of transporting five hundred men.
• Stabilization: In some cases, twenty floating bags original: 浮囊 (funang); typically made of inflated animal skins like goat or ox are tied to both the left and right sides of the raft for increased stability.

Crossing Procedures

To deploy the raft, swimmers or water-specialists are first sent to the opposite bank to erect large pillars. Two thick hawsers guan original: 絙; heavy-duty ropes or cables are then stretched across the river and secured to both banks to "sandwich" or guide the raft.

Wooden rings are threaded onto these heavy cables and linked to the raft with connecting lines. A primary tow-rope is attached to the bow of the raft, allowing men on the far shore to pull it across. By using the cables as a fixed track, the risk of the raft drifting off course or the occupants drowning is eliminated.

The Dry Boat

Hanchuan original: 旱船; literally "land boat." In this context, it refers to a personal waterproof suit or flotation device rather than a physical boat.

For crossing water, one may use a cloth device measuring four feet on each side.

• Construction: The fabric is double-layered and reinforced with cross-stitching.
• Buoyancy: At each of the four corners, four pig bladders original: 猪胞 (zhubao) are used. The neck of each bladder is tied shut tightly to trap air, and the entire assembly is placed upon the water.
• Waterproof Gear: For crossing while standing upright in the water, leather waders gunlianwa original: 棍連襪; literally "stick-connected-socks," these were likely waist-high leather leggings or waterproof overalls are used. These are designed with space to carry food rations and are secured with a sash original: 搭包 (dabao); a multi-purpose wrap-around bag or belt.