Ideas for Hunter 36 Cockpit Table

Sep 19, 2017
6
Hunter 36 Keyport, NJ
We have a standard Cockpit table that folds down but when it's up it extends right to our cushions. When we have company, it makes it hard to move around the cockpit. Has anyone found something that sits atop the table rail for nibbles and drinks - something we could just bring it out, put over to top and stow it when not underway. Or conversely, table leaves that are multi-hinged to open halfway or fully? Just looking for some ideas... thanks

hunter table.jpg
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,717
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
Yeah, the table as in our H356 could be better.
On my boat, the table snapped onto supports that held the weight of the table and its contents. But any upward pressure on the underneath of the table would release the supports, causing the table to collapse and spill the table top contents into the laps of guests and into the cockpit sole. In other words, "The dogs breakfast."
If you like wood working projects you could make something with some hinged leafs that would allow more access around the table. When it was just the Admiral and I, I would just leave one side down.
With guests, it was the Dog's breakfast. Including one time just seconds after I warned the guests about the malfunction there was a collapse of the table and the snacks, drinks including red wine.
 
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Sep 19, 2017
6
Hunter 36 Keyport, NJ
Thanks shemandr
I guess we've been lucky to not have too many collapses (also dont have dogs aboard). What i was thinking was something that could fit over/sit on/hook to the table rail with a smaller table footprint on either side - we could use that for drinks and nibbles and then move it when underway or when we need the full table. I've seen some that hook to the rail but are on one side so afraid they'll just flop over... Probably will be something we need to figure out how to make...
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,717
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I think templating could serve you well. Space is precious. The 356 has a decent sized cockpit but it has to serve many purposes. Sailing work space. Lounging area. Dining area. Entertainment hub.
One good thing about the center position of the table assembly is that it helps prevent a fall from side to side. On the other hand it hinders moving from side to side.
I think falling in any way, shape or form is the worst on a sailboat.
 
Nov 9, 2023
15
Hunter 36 Merritt Island
We had these made for all the reasons above- the originals are a PITA...in the process of varnishing them. They're just under half width

Neil
 

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Jan 11, 2021
20
Hunter 38 Legend Szczecin
We have the same table in our H38. After a few accidents I installed small plates under the table that rotate and lock the supports when the table is opened. They effectively prevent accidental folding. But in reality, when unfolded, communication is difficult.
 
Jul 18, 2011
6
Hunter 41AC Baltimore, MD
I have a 2005 Hunter 41AC and I was also looking for a smaller table for snacks, etc. so I wouldn't need to always use the starboard drop leafs and something that was similar to their appearance so they would match.

A few years ago, I contacted Zarcor, the folks that make stern rail seats and the companionway doors. I thought maybe they could make me what I was looking for since they also offer cockpit tables. They told me to reach out to the company that does their tables for them -- "Snap-It! Products." The email address is customerservice@snapitproducts.com. I dealt with a guy there named Mike. He was great. My table is 14” x 18” but I’m sure they could make it smaller, depending on the size of your rail and what your needs are. I am attaching pictures of mine on the cockpit rail. I put it on at the beginning of the season in the spring and pretty much leave it on all summer and it works great, taking it off again when I haul out in the late fall. I still have enough room to furl and unfurl the main and pull in the outhaul and sheet the main when I need to. I got the rail clamp from Mantus Marine. You can’t miss it if you get on their website or google “mantus rail clamp.” My rail is 1 1/4 inch. It was $75 for two a few years ago. It's a pretty robust clamp. Ordered it through Amazon (free shipping).

The clamps do fit very snug. I’ve seen other rail clamps made of starboard plastic that might be cheaper and could also work, depending on the thickness of the rail and what the clamp can accommodate. I think the table is a great addition, especially when we have guests and don't want to restrict movement in the cockpit with the table leafs or when we're at anchor and just chilling in the cockpit with some drinks and snacks.
 

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