Lowering the table in a Hunter 39

[SV Temenos]

I have a Hunter 39. I want to switch the long table legs with the shorter legs. I'm probably missing something obvious but I don't see how to remove them. There doesn't seem to be a set screw or anything. The shorter legs don't have anything that indicates there fastened down. I've tried just lifting it off but haven't been able to. I didn't want to apply more force in case I am missing something. Does anyone know how the table comes off?

 

[SV Temenos]

I tried to attach photos but it is saying the images are too big. Anyone know how to reduce the size?

 

[kappykaplan]

Use an image editor to reduce the size of the images. For example, on Win 11, open the image in Photos. Click on the three dots and select Resize image. This will give you the ability to reduce the number of pixels, reducing the size of the image.

 

[SV Temenos]

Finally found a size that the forum will accept

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Maybe start by removing all four screws in each of the two conical cover plates (top and bottom), remove the assembly and see what's holding the tubes tightly inside.

Be careful if any hinges are attached to the table top as that could upset the apple cart for angularity.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Finally found a size that the forum will accept

Well that's just wonderful, peachy keen ........... we can now post a reasonably sized picture in an SBO posting.

What the hell happened to the table leg after you removed the the eight screws (four on top and four on the bottom) and inspected the tube ?

OR was the whole exercise here "NOT" to fix the table but how to post an oversized picture ? Am I missing something here or is somebody off their meds ? ? ?

Enlighten me, please !

 

[jssailem]

I had two sizes of aluminum tubs that fit.into the seat bases. This allowed me to adjust the height of the table from dinner to bed.
Worked but was a labor.
Then I found this Canadian company that builds columns that adjust. It is perfect. The column is solid and serves to stop you from flying across the cabin in a swell. They are terrific. On my boat the table goes from full table height to bed height at the touch of a button.

230 lb Compact 3-Stage Adjustable Lifting Column

Optimized for compact installations where space efficiency and smooth height adjustment are essential.

www.progressiveautomations.com

 

[SV Temenos]

That is a nice option thank you. I also have the two sizes of bases. Do the just slide on or are they secured in any way? I feel like I just need to hit them with a mallet but I'm hesitant to do that until I understand how they are attached.

 

[jssailem]

I suspect you have some normal corrosion between the aluminum. You could try a little “Corrosion Block” made for all types of metals. It worked on my pipes.

When I had that occur I used a strap wrench. The type you use to remove a large oil filter.

If you can get one with a rubber strap it will grab better on the aluminum pipe. Then just rotate the pipes. The wrench and a bit of CB should loosen them enough to pull them out of the bases.

 

[jssailem]

The column holds the table so that it feels solid. I use it to brace myself when in the cabin and the sea decides to get nasty. It is much better than the tubes.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Maybe start by removing all four screws in each of the two conical cover plates (top and bottom), remove the assembly and see what's holding the tubes tightly inside.

OP, is this too hard for you to do?

 

[Dave Thompson]

I had a 2011 39 ft Hunter, and always found the table legs difficult to remove. There is nothing holding them in place except the tightness of their fit within the sockets at the deck and bottom of the table. I suggest that you just gently wobble the legs back and forth, while pulling legs away from the table. I always found this frustrating

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

@Dave Thompson , thanks for your additional input in helping to solve this "simple for some and confusing to others" problem.

Would it be fair to say the below sectional drawing
represents what you found within the conical fittings holding each of the two aluminum support legs in place on your 2011 39 ft. Hunter ?

​

As we can see from the photo in post #1 :

.............. the bottom support cones are each held in place with six screws into the cabin sole as well as the top support cones :

​

................. which are screwed to the underside of the table.

I don't think it too far a stretch for either the mind or body to carefully remove the wood screws from all four of the cones while supporting the table top in place. The table top is then slightly lifted and the two aluminum supporting assemblies removed.

They can then be inspected and any required remediation done to allow the legs to move freely or else replace the legs.

Is there anything else we're not seeing here, anything we're missing, anything else which hasn't been shared ? Because if I'm not mistaken, this is one of the most juvenile repair jobs I have seen posted within the pages of SBO and yet has received almost as many postings as some of the more complex problems one sees here.

 

[jssailem]

As a professional in this matter, having removed and switched two short and two long tubes over multiple sailing seasons, to set table height to bed or dining table, if you lift the table you often can release the legs from the floor base and then grip the tubes and wiggle or rotate them out of the bases beneath the table top.

The tubes come out more easily when you can pull them straight out. Sometimes they can feel like they are jammed in place. This is when I have engaged the strap wrench. Twisting the tube and a bit of penetrating oil can be the magic juice to break them free.

Persistence and a desire to go to bed or eat your breakfast can be a strong motivator.

good luck.

 

[SV Temenos]

Thank you, I was looking to confirm what you said before I went at it. Hopefully I will have time tomorrow to try and remove them. I'll bring a big mallet and strap wrench.

 

[dlochner]

Thank you, I was looking to confirm what you said before I went at it. Hopefully I will have time tomorrow to try and remove them. I'll bring a big mallet and strap wrench.

There may be some corrosion on the base or the legs restricting movement. Bring some PB Blaster and apply it to the legs at the base and let it do its job before attacking it with excessive force.