Has anyone got a good solution to replacing the particle board table top in a 22' once moisture destroys it? I don't have the "New Yankee Workshop" at home to glue up and plane a top. I'd like to find a way to purchase a material that's already the correct thickness and can be cut to shape. Laminating something with formica is no problem. Don't know if there are plywoods that will stand up to constant moisture. Solid hardwood is likely to warp if not built up as an alternating-grain laminate. Worried that the synthetics are heavy, but have never handled a piece. What makes a good (or great) solution?
Replacing the table top
- Thread starter jfrench
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You could try 3/4" melamine (available at Home Depot). It has a white finish that is easy to keep clean. You could purchase hardwood trim (oak, maple, cherry) and use it to finish the edges. Or if you have a table saw rip 3/4 x 3/4 strips and then round over the edges with sandpaper or a router for a better looking edge.
Don't use the iron on melamine tape for the edges. It won't hold up. Apply the edging with a glue rated for outdoor applications such as Titebond III. That will prevent water from getting between the edging and the melamine and swelling it up. Make sure to clean off any glue squeeze out with a damp cloth before it dries.
I used this method in our laundry room 10 years ago and it still looks as good as the day I installed it.
Don't use the iron on melamine tape for the edges. It won't hold up. Apply the edging with a glue rated for outdoor applications such as Titebond III. That will prevent water from getting between the edging and the melamine and swelling it up. Make sure to clean off any glue squeeze out with a damp cloth before it dries.
I used this method in our laundry room 10 years ago and it still looks as good as the day I installed it.
You might be able to purchase a ready made table for your boat from CatalinaYachts.com Call the main number in Florida and ask for the parts department.
Otherwise, marine grade plywood will be fine.. veneer the edges and primer and paint with a good quality.... then finish with a spray-on clear protection coat.
Jfrench, you don't need a woodshop to make a table top. Just don't make the mistake of trying to buy lumber at a home center. Seek out a hardwood supplier if you want to use boards.. You can also order hardwood veneer plywood and make the top with that. you can cover edge the plywood with iron on veneer. Ash sets off the dark teak real well.
One thing to consider for the table top is that if you use it in the down position, Sometimes I find myself standing on it when I'm adjusting my vang so you want to have some strength to the top so that it doesn't warp or crack. I've used 1/2" Oak plywood but it's a bit thin for strength and needs ribbing glued on. I've also tried joining thinner boards and this works well. I use Gorilla Glue as it's waterproof.
One could replace the top with particle board or even a piece of kitchen countertop from a surplus store if the thickness is right but I'd suggest waterproofing the underside and edges with varnish or epoxy.
One could replace the top with particle board or even a piece of kitchen countertop from a surplus store if the thickness is right but I'd suggest waterproofing the underside and edges with varnish or epoxy.
Two comments:
1. I never knew there were "Teak Shops." That's handy to know.
2. Pretty nifty installation of hinges on that table, they seem to disappear.
1. I never knew there were "Teak Shops." That's handy to know.
2. Pretty nifty installation of hinges on that table, they seem to disappear.
Sign board
What you’re looking for is MDO sign boards, used by sign companies for years. They use it for the Interstate exit signs. The boat companies use it under the cushions as compartment covers. Many configurations of it but, most is plywood with smooth masonite top laminate for painting.
What you’re looking for is MDO sign boards, used by sign companies for years. They use it for the Interstate exit signs. The boat companies use it under the cushions as compartment covers. Many configurations of it but, most is plywood with smooth masonite top laminate for painting.
jfrench
I need to replace the table in my 1973 C22, I broke the original table a year or so ago when I was cleaning out the boat so I could flip it over to recore the fore deck, I threw it out of the cabin into my yard and broke one of the corners off along with one of the mounting clips. The table was made with particle board which does not like moisture, it was sealed with some sort of varnish or urethane and held up pretty good. I plan to get a good sheet of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood to make a new table as long as it is sealed on all sides it should last forever, or you could laminate the top and sides with formica and seal the bottom with a marine grade varnish or urethane.
I need to replace the table in my 1973 C22, I broke the original table a year or so ago when I was cleaning out the boat so I could flip it over to recore the fore deck, I threw it out of the cabin into my yard and broke one of the corners off along with one of the mounting clips. The table was made with particle board which does not like moisture, it was sealed with some sort of varnish or urethane and held up pretty good. I plan to get a good sheet of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood to make a new table as long as it is sealed on all sides it should last forever, or you could laminate the top and sides with formica and seal the bottom with a marine grade varnish or urethane.
Be careful of the plywood you start with. Luan plywood and similar furniture-grade laminates often don't use glues that will stand up to constant moisture. While the wood itself might be durable, often the achilles heel is the adhesive holding together the plys.
We made a table earlier this year using 3/4" plywood laminated with formica on all sides. I don't believe moisture should be an issue if its completely sealed. Check out photos on Sailboatowners under Owner directory; Owner photo albums; User name ; Shelled. Perhaps I could find the time to post the process and photos this weekend. We recycled the original leg and hardware
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Your boat looks great! I like the off-white and beige upholstery, it gives the entires cabin an airy and warm feel.
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