Salon table modifications

[Lyle]

I am looking for ideas to modify the salon table in my '95 Hunter 35.5. I am getting tired of knocking my knees on the boxes and supports underneath the table and also would like a way of eliminating the table entirely when it is not in use. I am thinking of using the original tabletop pattern - minus the extension - and eliminating the boxes entirely. That way the table could be raised up to the cabin ceiling if desired and would be out of the way completely when not in use. This would open up the salon considerably. Has anyone modified their salon table?

 

[Jim Rushing]

Amen

For 10 years I have looked at that table and envied my Catalina friends with their removable table. I can live with the mast there, but I would like a way to remove that table when it is not in use. The table cushion has been under my bed at home for 10 years now. Nobody could sleep on that thing. I have thought about trying to build a cocktail table to fit on the frame and then have the big table set on top of that when needed. Surely somebody has addressed this issue.

 

[Dave20021]

Drop Leaf

A modification I have been contemplating is to convert the fixed portion of the table top into a drop leaf. I will cut the top along the entire portside length close to the compression post leaving the storage boxes in place and add both a piano hinge and a support bracket like the one under the starboard side drop leaf. It won't eliminate all of the issues, but it will open up the salon area along the L-shaped settee when the leaf is down.

 

[Dave]

Teamwork

I couldn't agree more with all the posts in this thread. Dave and Jim, you both are on to something I think. Not sure about raising it up to where my head might hit it but certainly making it leafed is a solid notion. I've also banged my knees to the point I don't feel it anymore (no more knees probably). What I have done in the past because I liveaboard is to use just the cushion there and make it a overall lounge type setting. But Jim, sure are sure right about sleeping on those cushions. What we need is teamwork here.