Created as a "floating collage of memories", The Boat Project has been funded by the Arts Council England's Artists' Taking the Lead project as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.
The artists who came up with the idea, Gary Winters and Gregg Whelan, known as Lone Twin, visited 20 locations across the region seeking contributions to be used in the building of the craft.
They also invited members of the public to bring wooden pieces to the West Sussex boatyard where it was built. The only criteria was that the items were made from wood and had a story behind them.
A spokeswoman for the project said: "People from all walks of life responded by giving treasured items from all parts of the world and, more humbly, their garages."
"Each and every fascinating back-story was digitally recorded and photographed with its donor."
