Gollum's boat??

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Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

If it really was just a log why would Tolkien write "boat" ?
I know that is not a very inventive argument, but one I would like answered non the less.

I agree that it's a boat and not a log nor a raft. it just seems out of place, like saying that Bilbo and Gollum sat on a leather couch during their riddle game.

Just think about it: a creature like Gollum, without two rocks to rub together, has - and seemingly has made! - a boat.