If I were to start over I would...
1. Gather more resources at the very start
2. Upgrade my raft quicker
3. Make a farm as soon as I could so I could have a steady supply of food
4. Make a fishing rod.
5.Craft a spear
6. Harvest seaweed
7. Make a second floor for my raft
8. Build a ramp to climb onto islands.
9. Make an upgraded hook.
10. Make an advanced purifier and grill.
The best tool for survival is the fishing rod because it can give you food without having a farm.