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folding dinette table?

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/14/2012 : 12:58:49

Our dinette table could use new hardware. I haven't had the boat long and already hate the current hardware anyway (since nothing locks), and it is a hassle to store when you aren't using it.

Has anyone made a slightly narrower and shorter dinette that can fold down for storage? I'd love to see pictures of it if it does exist. It seems like a second piece of plywood could be kept to bridge the seats for making the small bed when the table is folded down.

I like this table (I found it in another thread), but it appears to come off like the normal one and it is a bit smaller than I'd want:

If I do make a new table what is the right material to use? Marine furniture grade plywood?

thanks,
alex

Alex W
Seattle, WA
Express 37 "re-Quest"
previously owned 1984 Catalina 25 "Lutra"

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2012 : 13:30:01

I think you could use the hardwood plywood (oak, cherry, birch - you pick) found at your local Home Depot/Loew's, etc. Since it's belowdecks, properly sealed non-marine plywood will stand up as long as you want it to and cost a lot lot less. Finish the edges with the iron on matching veneer or breadboards and fiddles like in the photo. Seal all surfaces with several coats of polyurethane and you'll have a table to pass on to the grandkids.

Take a look at [url="http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24328&whichpage=2&SearchTerms=table"]this thread[/url]. It's on a 250 and a completely different table but there aer some photos of the hinges Rick used that might be helpful.

Edited by - John Russell on 03/14/2012 13:36:14

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2012 : 13:53:21

Thanks John. I have a lot of small pieces of furniture grade plywood lying around, so that'll make the project easier, and it was nice to see a similar project.

I just found a stainless drop leaf hinge at McMaster Carr that isn't too expensive either (item 1756A41, around $35) all things considered. I may also fabricate my own.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2012 : 17:19:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by awetmore
 Our dinette table could use new hardware. I haven't had the boat long and already hate the current hardware anyway (since nothing locks),...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I added a hold down clamp on the under side of the table to lock it in place. You could also mount a barrel bolt lock to the under side with a corresponding hole in the liner which should also keep the table secure.

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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 03/14/2012 : 18:14:49

I have a hold down under the table-in the middle- and it keeps it firm.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2012 : 08:32:27

If you want a table made out of teak, there is a guy here just outside Nashville that does teak furniture, swim platforms, custom work, etc. Do a search for Tommy's teak world.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2012 : 10:44:05

Are the hold down clamps that you guys are adding the ones that Catalina Direct sells:
http://catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1291

Looking at that (and much more expensive solutions from Fisheries Supply and West Marine) got me thinking about alternative solutions. I think I'm going to pursue the folding table, if it works out well I'll post back some photos here. It's good to hear from this thread and the other one that making the table a little smaller has worked out well.

David: I'll probably start with plywood, but if I like the new table then I may investigate teak. I have access to a nice woodshop through a friend would wouldn't mind occasional use of my boat.

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Drjohn71a
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2012 : 15:49:43

Awetmore,

I have seen ppl use those teak cockpit tables as a replacement for dinette tables. The big one with cup holder unit mounted to the wall from West marine is one model. That table can be folded down against the hull or removed simply.

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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2012 : 15:32:20

Thanks John. The first one that I found on their website was a scary price, but some of the others are more reasonable.

I'm going to order the table locks from CD and use our current table for a while. I'm also going to make a new leg that attaches back to the corner of the floor and hull. When my project list gets smaller I'll make or buy a shorter table.

Right now I'm trying to focus on finishing up projects that will get us out on the water (things like having a working rudder, bilge pump, head, and battery fuses) and saving the rest for another day.

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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2012 : 18:02:15

Once again if you are looking for space....just cut 4 inches off the table and you will be amazed at the difference in room. and yes the hold down will keep it solid.

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Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2012 : 13:27:00

Are the hold down clamps that you guys are adding the ones that Catalina Direct sells:
http://catalinadirect.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=1291

Mine is not. It is just a screw cap that tightens under the table to a clamp on the wall PO installed it.

Edited by - Sam001 on 03/21/2012 13:28:45

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 03/21/2012 : 13:33:45

I ordered those last night and will report back when I've used them. I'll probably make a smaller table at the same time, and a new leg won't be far behind.

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