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Source: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/5
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

<p>I'm thinking about sailing a part of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube">Danube</a>, alone, on a self-built raft. I have no experience sailing rivers on any serious basis. </p>

<p>I'm considering a raft for a number of reasons:</p>

<ul>
<li>It's cheap.</li>
<li>It provides more space than a boat.</li>
<li>I can easily take a bicycle.</li>
<li>It's more easily replaceable in case of theft than a boat (plus, who would want to steal a raft?).</li>
<li>There are no worries about selling it or transporting it after the journey has completed.</li>
</ul>

<p>However, the portion of the river that I want to sail is used by commercial freight traffic. My worry is that using a vehicle with little steering and no engine can lead to life-threatening situations with river freight ships, like <a href="http://www.intuitivmedia.de/data/picture/detail/865.jpg">this one</a>, and cruise ships. I imagine getting caught in their suction can be very dangerous.</p>

<p>Has anybody here attempted something similar, or have some river experience?</p>

<p>Are there traffic lanes on European rivers, so it might be possible to do this if you stay close to the bank? </p>

<p>Who would I talk to to find out whether this is a completely idiotic plan, or somehow feasible without risking your life too much? </p>

<p>Naturally, I would sail during daytime only. I can swim of course, and I'm prepared to wear a life vest at all times if so recommended.</p>