Originally posted by HerrBaron:

Hmmm... no, can't say I've used a raft. I've cheated though, by flying. Seems that'd serve the same purpose. As to raising the ground level, as I said, the first thing that ought to be there is pilings on which to place decking, from a construction perspective.

I do honestly wish they had something like a half stone half wood base pillar specifically designed for being placed in water 100%