new cockpit table...

[CliffA]

the table that came with my boat has triple duty as a base for the V berth filler cushion, a cabin table, and a cockpit table....the size and shape of the table is dictated by the use as a base for the V berth filler cushion...as such when it is installed as a cockpit table it does not make the best use of the available space...the table is a little too small and oddly shaped for effective use in the cockpit...i was thinking of only using the OEM table with the V berth filler cushion and as a cabin table...then i could make a separate table to be used in the cockpit that is sized and shaped to better fit the space...i would still use the cockpit deck mount and the OEM pole with the new table....another possible winter project...yeah.....any ideas on what material to use for the new cockpit table?...i was thinking of using 3/4" plywood and waterproofing it with fiberglass resin...then i could put some laminate on the top and edge such as formica...it is important that the table material be waterproof because i would store the table in the floor storage locker and rain water does get in there to some degree....thanks

 

[Henry Boyd]

Cliff,

If you are going to make a small table top, my recommendation would be to use a solid wood construction. Teak of course is the gold standard and for good reason it will last for years without damage, and with proper care remain beautiful. You could also use mahogany, or Spanish Cedar. The work of cutting, finishing, laminating, edging etc. plywood will be just as great as using solid wood. Unlike kitchen cabinets, a boat table is going to see almost constant moisture and humidity. A top made from the materials I suggested will last for years even with little, or no surface finishing.

Here is a table I am working on for a friend. It is mahogany with hard maple accent strips.:

Henry

 

[CliffA]

thanks Henry....that looks like it is going to be a beautiful table when its finished....i had thought about using a high grade of wood and finishing it but i am not sure it would look right in my boat...my boat is more of a 'sport' boat and not a luxury cruiser....if i had a really nice wooden table it would probably look out of place with the rest of my interior....

 

[At Ease]

Here is what I added to my boat this year. Great looking table at a decent price. Mine was a prototype that made it less expensive but the pricing he gave me for a production table was not excessive. Henry builds a great looking table as well! Very nice craftsmanship! I don't think I would use plywood even if it is just a sport boat. I get nothing but compliments on mine and the way it looks and fits the boat. Go to www.teakworld.com and see what they have. You may find a great deal on a prototype like I did. Here is my post: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/41619-New-Teak-Cockpit-Table?highlight=

Good luck!

 

[moparlvr4406]

here is a teak one I made

 

[Lazy Daze]

Cliff - I hear what you are saying about not wanting the table to be too fancy. But, the nice thing about a wooden table is it can be made to any level. It can be basic, classic, fancy, etc. and anywhere in between. The finish that you put on it can also help dictate it's final look. For example, a high gloss finish would probably not be what you are looking for. But a satin or semi can help to keep the "fanciness" at bay.

I experimented with a finish-grade plywood table this season (more just for sizing, than anything else) and it is starting to delam. I filled the edges and put multiracial coats of sealer on it, too (although I didn't put resin on it). I think that by the time you do all that work to make a plywood table resilient to the elements, you could have a very nice sid wood table that will last much, much longer.

Henry (above) makes great tables. If you're not up to the task of doing it yourself, talk to him about having him make you one. I've seen a number of examples of his work and they all look nice - many different styles, too.

In short, don't discount a solid table - done correctly, it will only enhance your boat. You can always take it with you to the next boat!

 

[Sea Ray 215]

Hi Cliff, In searching for a material to make the cockpit table (vbirth support) I came across a piece of 2' x 4' x 3/4" pressboard shelving at Home Depot. Its the kind that is painted on both sides and they sell a heat transfer tape for the edges to finish tht job. The board is only $14.00...... I think I will use that to make the vbirth support and with the rest a table for the rear.....just a thought.
BTW....thanks again for all the info on the table!!

 

[CliffA]

thanks for replies and ideas....i've got some time to think more about it...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Hi Cliff, In searching for a material to make the cockpit table (vbirth support) I came across a piece of 2' x 4' x 3/4" pressboard shelving at Home Depot. Its the kind that is painted on both sides and they sell a heat transfer tape for the edges to finish tht job. The board is only $14.00...... I think I will use that to make the vbirth support and with the rest a table for the rear.....just a thought.
BTW....thanks again for all the info on the table!!

Probably not the best material to use on a boat (wet, humidity, etc). That stuff is basically paper that has been glued together. It likely won't take long for it to swell and separate in a wet environment. I could be wrong, but like above, by the time you put your money and time into making one out of "inexpensive" materials, you could put a little more money into real materials and never have to make it again. "Do it the right way the first time and you'll only do it once."