Cockpit table ideas

[Kelpie]

Having recently managed to remove my wheel, I'm amazed at the extra space it opens up. I really, really want a cockpit table now...
My pedestal is about 100mm diameter, and it doesn't have any smaller tubes running alongside it.
Ideally, I don't want to have any permanent additions to the pedestal or cockpit floor, just a way of clamping the table on to the pedestal itself so that it can be instantly removed without the need for any tools.

Due to the layout of the cockpit, the only place for a table is on the aft side of the pedestal. The common design where the table remains permanently attached won't work.

Having done some Google image searches, nothing suitable seems to come up. I'm starting to think that this might be a bigger project than I had hoped (aren't they all...)

I was hoping to find suitable clamps from a stove supplier (100mm is a standard flue diameter) but they all look far too flimsy.

Any suggestions?

 

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Had the same problem. Saw a Legun ( Lagum?)cockpit table on a boat in France. Demountable, packs away neatly. I got a sail maker to make a cover and we store it under the sprayhood at the ready. Force 4 sell them.

 

[Graham376]

The Lagun ones seem good and a hell of a lot cheaper than a Whitlock pedestal table mount £355 at Howells. (1) lagun cockpit table - Search (bing.com)

 

[PetiteFleur]

Yes, Lagun table - I fitted one some time ago, picked up on ebay, fitted to the front of the pedestal. Works well and the table stored behind the companionable steps.

 

[davidaprice]

We have had a Lagun as our cockpit table for about 12 years. It's still in good condition and the various pivot mechanisms haven't developed any play. The cover they sell is still in good condition (though somewhat faded) despite the table being stored in the back of the sail locker with fenders, etc. chucked on top of it.

 

[Kelpie]

Yes, Lagun table - I fitted one some time ago, picked up on ebay, fitted to the front of the pedestal. Works well and the table stored behind the companionable steps.

How is yours attached to the pedestal? I can only find a mount for fitting to a flat surface.

My only hesitation with the Lagun is that the mounting bracket looks like a bit of a toe stubbing risk.

 

[greeny]

Having recently managed to remove my wheel, I'm amazed at the extra space it opens up. I really, really want a cockpit table now...
My pedestal is about 100mm diameter, and it doesn't have any smaller tubes running alongside it.
Ideally, I don't want to have any permanent additions to the pedestal or cockpit floor, just a way of clamping the table on to the pedestal itself so that it can be instantly removed without the need for any tools.

Due to the layout of the cockpit, the only place for a table is on the aft side of the pedestal. The common design where the table remains permanently attached won't work.

Having done some Google image searches, nothing suitable seems to come up. I'm starting to think that this might be a bigger project than I had hoped (aren't they all...)

I was hoping to find suitable clamps from a stove supplier (100mm is a standard flue diameter) but they all look far too flimsy.

Any suggestions?

Maybe think about drilling and tapping the tube to mount suitable hook on brackets? 100mm tube in the pedestal should have reasonable wall thickness to take a thread I would think.

 

[Refueler]

I have to admit that the Lagun mount I was 'given' has proved to be an excellent addition to my cockpit ... the ability to swing the table from centre 'dining' to fwd port against bulkhead as chart table has been a real advantage. My mount is bolted to the lower cockpit fwd port ....
I am a tiller steered boat - so don't have the pedestal to sort. If I had - then I am sure a metals guy could create a mount to bolt to the pedestal for the Lagun to fix to.

I was 'gifted' the mounting assembly without the woodwork. I was closing down one of my offices at the time - so took a computer table apart and used that ... its now about 10yrs on and starting to show signs of damp .... but still functions ...

I have to say that the whole is heavy ... but worth it ...

 

[harvey38]

We use a Sequoia pedestal
Sequoia Table Leg System

And a fold out, teak table from Ebay

 

[Kelpie]

We use a Sequoia pedestal
Sequoia Table Leg System

And a fold out, teak table from Ebay

I was hoping to avoid adding any permanent fixings but this sort of thing might be the least worst option.

 

[Refueler]

If you don't add a permanent fixing - then any alternative is going to be less sturdy and especially if used underway ...

The Lagun is capable of serious load ..... unlike some others I've seen that I'd be wary of putting a cup of tea on ....

Just saying.

I do admit - I am not a fan of the price though !! I did consider buying the original teak table for it .... till I saw price !!

 

[Kelpie]

If you don't add a permanent fixing - then any alternative is going to be less sturdy and especially if used underway ...

This will be going on the aft side of the pedestal so will only be used when the wheel is off. Which will only happen in marinas and secure anchorages.
Of course a 'secure' anchorage can be a different place five minutes later, so the table needs to instantly removable without using any tools .

Our cockpit is quite a strange shape- wider than it is long, with the pedestal slightly nearer the front. The pad eyes for clipping in are already enough of a toe stubbing risk, and a square edged bracket mounted somewhere is likely to be a real pain.

 

[dunedin]

We used to use something like this in the last boat - worked well and under £30 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deuba-Coff...ocphy=1007326&hvtargid=pla-422364968375&psc=1

 

[Kelpie]

We used to use something like this in the last boat - worked well and under £30 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deuba-Coff...ocphy=1007326&hvtargid=pla-422364968375&psc=1

That could well be the easiest option.

 

[dunedin]

That could well be the easiest option.

We bought that after years of hankering after expensive fitted teak tables, which were all out of budget. Her lady ship decided to JFDI as so cheap could just bin if didn’t work. It was perfect and retained till sold the boat

 

[Kelpie]

So I'm thinking about using a heavy duty satellite dish bracket. I think I can make up a way of clamping it to the pedestal securely, but at the top I will need some way of attaching the table to the 50mm tube.

I'm not even sure what this fitting would be called. Obviously I could just have a block of wood with a hole in it, but that's going to get shoogly pretty rapidly. Is it a socket, a flange, or something else?

This kind of thing:

Would do, but it would be better if it spread the load over a larger area.

 

[Humblebee]

Our boat has a garden parasol base fitted into the teak decking. Can't remember the make but it is tidy and unobtrusive.
I googled "garden furniture parasol bases" and it came up with many ideas, one of which might suit your needs.
Happy googling!

 

[Kelpie]

Our boat has a garden parasol base fitted into the teak decking. Can't remember the make but it is tidy and unobtrusive.
I googled "garden furniture parasol bases" and it came up with many ideas, one of which might suit your needs.
Happy googling!

I think you might be on to something. I can use a parasol base upside down to attach the table to the leg. Trying to find an aluminium one with no luck, so powder coated steel may have to do.

 

[Mister E]

Have a look at the Fiamma caravan table fittings for ideas, including the 3 leg base that enables the table to be moved.

 

[Refueler]

So I'm thinking about using a heavy duty satellite dish bracket. I think I can make up a way of clamping it to the pedestal securely, but at the top I will need some way of attaching the table to the 50mm tube.

I'm not even sure what this fitting would be called. Obviously I could just have a block of wood with a hole in it, but that's going to get shoogly pretty rapidly. Is it a socket, a flange, or something else?

This kind of thing:
View attachment 145335
Would do, but it would be better if it spread the load over a larger area.

What about a telescopic table leg as sold in DIY shops .... ones I have - they have a decent top mount for table .....

Just checked and the telescopic legs I fitted for one of my model building tables ........... its 50mm diameter !!