Cockpit Tables

[Ducati]

We cannot mount a cockpit table to the helm because the traveler is in front of the wheel.
That's a good thing because I hate them however in order to keep family peace we
still are looking for a solution. We need a table that can be folded and stowed below.

Any suggestions?

 

[Ed Schenck]

If you were to only use the table while not sailing it should be relatively easy to design. Could you not run the mainsheet to one side? Or as I do, use a snap shackle to move the mainsheet to the toerail and out of the way. This would allow you to mount something over the traveler, maybe from coaming to coaming. Properly designed with some piano hinges it could go in a cockpit locker.

Now a table while sailing with your rig is a way different problem. One I would like to have by the way.

 

[djplatt@cogeco.ca]

If you need it for in port use only, you could hang it from the boom.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

A while back, when the current style of folding camp chairs came out, we picked up several matching tables. They are about 18" square, stand about 2' off the ground and have cup holders in the corners. Bungee cords keep the fabric surface tight. I can fit one on ether side of my main sheet.

While the chairs are still available just about everywhere, we haven't seen these tables in the stores for several years. You might try ebay.

Append:
I found an updated version at Cabela's:

 

[Hermit Scott]

We cannot mount a cockpit table to the helm because the traveler is in front of the wheel.
That's a good thing because I hate them however in order to keep family peace we
still are looking for a solution. We need a table that can be folded and stowed below.

Any suggestions?

I love thinking through problems like this. But do you have any pictures of the cockpit. I couldn't find any on google that were up close engough.

 

[larryw]

Don't know if this'll help ya, but we use folding lap trays to eat below 'cause we almost never have the table up. (only two of us). I think they're from Target? They might be easily adaptable to your requirements

 

[Jeff]

Ducati,
Wanna buy my "As Seen On TV Table Mate." Sorry couldn't resist.
Anyway I still use the dam thing. It's proven to be quite versatile believe
it or not.

 

[kenn]

We have one small plastic cooler that, when the lid is put on upside down, has 4 cupholders and a table-ish surface - good enough for a small tray and drinks. Maybe you could use something similar but larger?

Our little boat's not very suited to snacking while sailing, and anyway, the Canadian police take a very narrow view of consuming alcohol while underway. Gotta be anchored, moored or docked.

I love our rear traveller

 

[Dave Groshong]

How about this one:

http://www.garelick.com/productsearch.php?pnumber=75349&subid=EB07

Or this one:

http://www.garelick.com/product.php?pnumber=75640

 

[Nereussailor]

Maybe this would work.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/garelick-melamine-top-deck-table-16x24.aspx?a=572852#

Dave

 

[Joe]

I found this table at IKEA... $25.00 unfinished. It folds up flat and stores easily. I have folding cup holders on the bulkhead seats so there's no need for them on the table. I have since finished it with cetol light... but I like it unfinished too. Notice in the picture that it functions with the tiller down if you want to use it while sailing, or motoring down the ICW.

 

[DannyS]

This was on our previous boat. I found this idea in Good Old Boat magazine. Its a pretty simple design and it could be modified to suit your needs. There are a couple of runners on the underside of the tray that keep the tray from falling to the floor. It can slide fore and aft.

 

[wflowe2]

I bought one of the folding camping tables w/ cup holders last year at a sporting goods store (about $20). It fits easily into the lazerrete (sp) when folded. Before that I used a couple of folding TV tables.

 

[Sailor Sue]

Regarding IKEA tables...

Joe, This is just the sort of table I have been looking for. How long ago did you buy it, and do you happen to have a part number or description? I tried to find it in their on line catalogue. Thanks.

 

[Manny]

DannyS, that's a slick setup

This was on our previous boat. I found this idea in Good Old Boat magazine. Its a pretty simple design and it could be modified to suit your needs. There are a couple of runners on the underside of the tray that keep the tray from falling to the floor. It can slide fore and aft.

It probably could be made even simpler so that it could fold flat.

Manny

 

[caguy]

I found this table at IKEA... $25.00 unfinished. It folds up flat and stores easily. I have folding cup holders on the bulkhead seats so there's no need for them on the table. I have since finished it with cetol light... but I like it unfinished too. Notice in the picture that it functions with the tiller down if you want to use it while sailing, or motoring down the ICW.

I bought the same table 3 yrs ago and it has worked well. Here's a tip Joe, if you put 2 1''x3'' boards in between the table halves (I used the ones on the left), you can raise the height of the table about 4 to 8 inches so you can get your legs under the table. Makes it much more comfortable. It also adds about 6'' to the length of the table. The one I got on Ebay was advertised as teak but the redwood boards match perfectly. I keep it under the tiller as you do when anchored or folded an stored in the head. It would also fit nicely in the laz.

 

[Joe]

Joe, This is just the sort of table I have been looking for. How long ago did you buy it, and do you happen to have a part number or description? I tried to find it in their on line catalogue. Thanks.

Sue... after I posted the pic I went on the Ikea website to get a link and I couldn't find it. i also noticed that many of the products in the online catalogue were not available in all stores... and vice versa, I guess. Anyway, start searching around similar import stores like Pier 1, or the danish stores, etc. I'll keep looking and if I find it I'll let you know. I should have purchased two of them at the time. It's not teak, but it's a nice looking hardwood ... Ross would probably know. Teak versions in the marine stores are $250-300. Yikes.

 

[Ron20324]

A couple decades ago I bought a teak (veneer) headboard from the Scan scratch and dent room. For my Oday222, I cut a piece to span the seats. I cut 4 holes for those plastic recessed cup holders, which kept the board from moving side-to-side. I then moved it to my B235 where it made a drop-down table mounted to the transom. Now in it's third use, I cut that board down the middle and added another section, so now it all looks like the fold-out tables you see on boats.

You could make one board, say 10-12 inches (wide enough for a dinner plate and silverware) for 2 people, a second one for 4, a third plain one for setting bowls on. Hinges not needed, just take out whichever you need.

 

[caguy]

Sue... after I posted the pic I went on the Ikea website to get a link and I couldn't find it. i also noticed that many of the products in the online catalogue were not available in all stores... and vice versa, I guess. Anyway, start searching around similar import stores like Pier 1, or the danish stores, etc. I'll keep looking and if I find it I'll let you know. I should have purchased two of them at the time. It's not teak, but it's a nice looking hardwood ... Ross would probably know. Teak versions in the marine stores are $250-300. Yikes.

Target has them in their catalogue. Not sure about the store.
http://www.target.com/s/176-0856818...rchRank=target104545&LNM=nyatoh_folding_table

They are made of Nyatoh wood.

 

[Hermit Scott]

I just whipped this one out tonight. the table is the easy part(so long as you have UV resistant plastic lying around) It's figuring out a way to mount it that will get you.