Folding Cockpit Table

[Captain Smollett]

I haven't built this yet, but I got this idea from Chris's Widget site:

Widget-the Mighty Trailer Sailer

His design allows double use in the cockpit/cabin and it folds flat for storage.  I imagine there are a number of similar designs out there on the 'net, but this one looks simple enough that even I could build it.

[dasein668]

That's a nice looking table.

Here's another idea for a cockpit table that Tim Lackey and I devised:

Small Boat Cockpit Table

Tim used an aluminum leg for his. When I built mine I used a length of PVC pipe with threaded fittings on the end. It works well, though the aluminum leg that Tim used is definitely stronger.

[Jack Tar]

There are some very nice tables like the first thread but made like grating. They are available at IKEA and for only $24

[CapnK]

Nathan or Tim -

I looked at that page the other day when it was first posted (nice job, btw - idea filed for future consideration). I've been meaning to ask, in regards to the fiddle which didn't quite work out, you said you put an "eggamaroll" edge ;) or something on it, instead of the fiddle. Care to elaborate on what that is?

[dasein668]

Well, I didn't put anything on the edge—I just eased the sharp edge with some sandpaper. I think Tim used a router with a Roman Ogee bit or similar just to put a decorative egde on there.

[CapnK]

That's it, Nathan - what is an "Roman Ogee" bit?

A guess - it shapes the edge so nicely that, when you first see it, you exclaim "Oh, gee! Lookit that!" in Latin? ;D

[dasein668]

It's a standard classical edging profile.

[Jack Tar]

Here is the IKEA Table $25 cant be beat.

[CapnK]

Here's a link to the page on the IKEA site with that table. It is 19 5/8" in all 3 dimensions, made of solid walnut. (How does walnut hold up to damp? Does it twist/warp when wet?)

IKEA Side table HOL

[Zen]

I used a folding pine table (ikea) then varished it. No worries about weather. Also, VERY Cheap

[Jack Tar]

For crying out loud it's $25. A little teak stain or oil and no one will know or care.

[Captain Smollett]

The table I started the thread with was custom cut for both cabin and cockpit on my boat.  That is, oriented one way, the legs 'just fit' in the cockpit floor, and turned 90 degrees, they just fit in the cabin between the side berths.  It is this feature that made it interesting to me.

(the Sanibel design has no permanent cabin table, of course).

If this $25 model fits that snuggly in both cockpit and cabin, well, that's a hard deal to beat.

[CharlieJ]

I've been trying for some time to come up with a table for use inside Tehani. Here's what finally happened.

Last weekend I finally built a table for us to use inside Tehani, while anchored or in calm waters. NOT for use offshore. I had some scraps of teak around so used that to build it. When not in use it will stow under the foredeck above the vee berth.

Here's the table underside, all folded up-The leg is held closed with a turnbutton. The hooks that you see hook into stainless barckets on each side of the entry to the fore cabin.



Here's the leg opened up, showing how it's attached. The hinges are mortised in deeply enough so it will lay flat.


Here's how it sets up inside the boat, mounting into table brackets on the bulkhead-



And finally- the obligatory sailing mag type pic with all the "stuff" on it



As I said- not intended for use offshore. Then we'll use the traditional "wedge yourself into a corner and hold the bowl tight" methodology.  ;D

[Pixie Dust]

Charlie- the table looks great!!  Very nice job.  You may end up getting some orders!  What was for dinner that night. :)

[CapnK]

It was obviously a diet meal... ;)

Looks *sharp*, CJ!

[BobW]

Charlie,

How does the support for the forward end of the table attach to the bulkhead?

Thanks.

[CharlieJ]

LOL Bob- been so long since I posted those pics I had to be sure you were asking ME.

Look in the first pic- see the hooks on each end? Those drop into table mounting brackets that live on the bulkhead, each side the opening. Laura hates 'em cause they stick out and aren't really pretty, but that's what we had to do. The piece they are mounted to is that long because the opening in the bulkhead is that wide. Tried narrowing it and Laura wouldn't have it. Glad now she won ;) Much more air flow with the wider opening.

[BobW]

Table mounting brackets... didn't know such hardware existed, but then there's a lot I don't know!  :)

I'm not sure I can make those work (Prelude's bulkheads are even farther apart than Tehani's) but it gives me an idea.

Thanks.

[s/v Faith]

Charlie,

  The pictures don't want to load for me.  Can you re-post / or fix them?

Thanks,

[CharlieJ]

I just checked them- they load fine for me. Is anyone else having a problem with those particular pics?

Now the place where they are uploaded will moat likely erase them after the first of the year, but for now they are still there. When I get some free time I'll load them into my gallery, but I can't spare the time right now.

Otherwise, I don't know what to tell you.