H-26 Cabin Table Re-Covering

[BrianW]

Because of a previous cabin leak on my H-26, my cabin table has delaminated and cracked. About a 6" round section is damaged. Has anyone re-covered their table top with a laminate or other type material? Any suggestions? (other than repair leaks BEFORE the damage ) Thanks, BrianW

 

[soling42]

I actually tore my old banquet table out of my 260 last summer and put together a whole new V-berth arrangement that now sleeps two comfortably. My new oak table is smaller with two leaves and is set at the height of the V-berth deck. The table has two short oak stair treads from Lowes that fold down like leaves with a 6" mid section and a couple of hinges and looks similar to the pic below.

I cut a piece of 4ply plywood in the shape of a 1/4 circle to span the gap at the upper deck groove and notched it at the compression post where it rests on the table when it's in place. The ply stores perfectly under the V-berth foam when I don't need it.

I guess I'm saying it sounds like a great opportunity to fix a design shortfall in these boats and ditch that pressboard beast. I'll get some v-berth pics this weekend if you're interested. Taking out the compression post is a must(and not hard) if the deck penetration is leaking and will give you a good excuse to replace the CB line too.

Mike

 

[MABell]

Well Brian...

I believe you saw my post on H26 table modifications.
You start at the outside edge with a sawsall and cut toward the middle
Come to think of it – I have a table available that’s just missing a portion from the center hole outward.

 

[BrianW]

Thanks Mike and MABell:

Sorry for the delayed response. I've been out of the country and have had limited access to internet. Mike, I really like your mod! Could you please explain the last photo with the jack and spring next to the compression post? MABell, thanks for the reminder about your mod. My seeming misfortune sounds like an excellent oportunity to make it much better. I am very impressed with both of your mods. BrianW

 

[soling42]

I hated my banquet table but Mabells sawzall takes it to a whole new level

Scratched my head for a while before I grabbed my 12ton hydrualic jack(yeah it's about 11-1/2 tons of overkill) to pull the compression post from it's well sealed base and cabin roof adhesives. Do this only after triple checking to make sure that ALL set screws and mounting hardware were loose. Nice even pressure at the base plate and an otherwise tricky job was altogether too simple.

Just came back from 5days anchoring in paradise utilizing the rebuilt V-berth setup which was perfect as a full sized bed for our guest. The ply base and extra foam store in the front perfectly and when we're ready it converts out across the fwd part of the table to the compression post. This still leaves room to eat in the salon with storage for gear under the bed/table. I didn't get any pics but will try to post some details if you're aiming that way.

Mike