Raft

The raft, christened the Kon-Tiki, is built according to ancient South American design. It sports a large square sail, a long steering paddle and center boards that help in navigation.

Balsa Logs

The key component of the raft is a set of green balsa logs. The logs are buoyant even when green, as the sap is lighter than sea water. The sap also keeps out the sea water, thereby making a 4,000 nautical mile voyage possible.

Steering Oar

The steering oar on the raft is a key component for navigation, but very difficult to handle in heavy seas. The crew improvises a lever on the shaft to help and sometimes lashes the steering oar during calmer weather.

Tahiti

Tahiti is the main Polynesian island. The crew spends their last days in Polynesia here before heading home on a Norwegian cargo ship.

Center Boards

The center boards on the...