Pioneering Program Curriculum X: Double Floor Lashing

This is the tenth post in a series that will eventually comprise an activity-based, unit pioneering program curriculum.

SUPPORTING VIDEO: How to Tie a Double Floor Lashing

X. This lashing is useful when building any kind of raised surface for a: platform, deck, raft, table, bench, chair, or Chippewa kitchen.

• Each Scout will tie a complete floor lashing, attaching floor spars to a platform support.

MATERIALS (for every two Scouts)

• six 3-foot x 2-inch floor spars
• two 4 to 6-foot x 3-inch platform support spars
• two 15-foot x 1/4-inch manila lashing ropes

PROCEDURE

A. Instructor will demonstrate the floor lashing and then, with the guidance of the instructor, Scouts will:

1. Lay out the two support spars parallel to one another so they are about 30 inches apart.
2. Place the floor spars over the support spars, in the middle and against one another, making sure  the ends extend out from the support spars 2 to 3 inches on either side.
3. Up against the first floor spar, tie one end of the lashing rope to the platform support with a cove hitch, leaving enough “tail” at the end to twist around the long end of the rope before continuing.
4. Close to the clove hitch, make a bight in the running end and on the inside of the platform support, pass it over the first floor spar. (A bight is formed by doubling back a length of the rope against itself to form a U.) 
5. Grab this bight and pass it underneath the platform support.
6. Loop the bight over the first floor spar on the outside of the platform support.
7. Tighten both loops around the first floor spar by pulling the running end (extending between the first and second floor spars on top of the platform floor).
8. Repeat this process for each floor spar until you reach the other end.
9. Secure the running end of the rope to the other end of the platform support, with tight half hitches.

View Video

B. The above procedure can be implemented by two Scouts simultaneously lashing both ends of the floor spars to their respective platform supports. When a platform is completed in a manner where the floor spars are snug, one Scout can sit on the floor spars and four Scouts can carefully lift him up.

SCOUT MEETING CHALLENGE: Lift Seat

PIONEERING PROJECT: Chippewa Kitchen

PIONEERING CURRICULUM: MAIN PAGE