Clark Lake has a new swim raft, and this one is special. In today’s world, if someone wants a swim raft, they find one on Amazon and hit “place order.” Clark Lake’s latest raft has an entirely different history.
Logan Koszegi, who is only 13, decided to build one from ground up. With money earned by mowing lawns, the 7th grader purchased lumber and other supplies at Menard’s and Lowe’s. He found some 55 gallon drums for $8 a piece. With advice from his dad, Troy, Logan took hammer and saw into hand and began the building process.
Unlike Amazon versions, Logan followed a tried and true design, used for decades at Clark Lake. The drums fit snugly into the infrastructure and are held in place by cables. Outdoor carpeting make it easier on your feet or when laying in the sun. With a nod to today’s technology, solar lights warn approaching night time boaters. His advice to anyone considering a similar undertaking? Visualize the whole project and make a list, or you’ll make many extra trips.
This isn’t a typical seventh grade project. In fact it had nothing to do with Parkside Middle School, where he attends. So, what motivated Logan to build this raft? “I was inspired by the boys who wanted to break the record for the number of hours on the lake.” He’s referring to Raft-a-thon III. At 69 hours, Noah Zak, Crew Clement and Andrew Duckett broke Ryan Ambs’ 61 1/2 hour record. Raft-a-thon originated with Tucker Boyers and his crew some time in the 90s. Logan needed cohorts. At this late in the season, schedules didn’t match. Logan says he’s not out of the game. “I want to put a tent up on the raft.” He expects his chance for some Clark Lake glory will happen next season.
Logan built the raft at his grandparent’s cottage in Pierces Bay. Once finished, he and his dad trailed it to the Hyde Road boat launch. Logan hooked an electric trolling motor to the raft. Slowly he made his way across the lake to be met by friends and family on the shore.
Logan with his mom, Laura.
It’s stories like this that make Clark Lake so great. It feels really good to be part of a community that celebrates creativity, persistence, history, family, and fun! Way to go, Logan!
ClarkLake happiness is seeing that red and green raft sitting out in the morning sun every morning when I get up. Thanks to Logan and Dad and Mom.
Linda Reynolds
Flip says “Permission to come aboard?”?
permision granted
A lot of time and hard work went into the building of the raft. Great job Logan!! Great article!!
Nice job Logan, now I have to go over and swim off of it.
Thanks
Flip
Logan, what a great project and a good looking raft…a job well done. Great idea of mounting a trolling motor! Good luck in your quest to beat this year’s Raft-a-Thon 69 hours next year.
Being Logan’s next door neighbor, we got a birds eye view of the construction and voyage from Hyde Rd to its anchor. I can attest to the many trips to the hardware store during its creation.
Great job Logan,
Mike
Anybody remember the raft that used to be in the “deep water” by the county park?
Are the ski jumps still there? We used to jump off of them too!
Now for a friendly game of king of the raft.
Well done youngman ! indeed the Spirit of Clark Lake ! Please make sure I know the dates of your attempt to break the raft-a-thon record. You’ll be well deserving of an early morning wake up visit !
Grandpa Bry and Gamma Lou are so proud young man! Great example of our next generation!!!
Well done Logan!
My grown sons have wonderful memories of growing up at clark Lake, and swimming and diving around “The Yellow Raft”, provided by the Bentley family at Eagle Point. It even had a high dive. My youngest son had to wear a lifebelt wherever he went at the lake –until he could swim around the Yellow Raft 3 times without touching! Good job Logan, rafts make the lake even MORE fun!
thank you for your nice comments