Sliding Table Mechanism (retro fit)

[Flyingspanner]

Morning all - I am after some knowledge and advice from the group ? - would like to convert our table so it can slide away from where we normally sit facing out, our seat moves on a track fwd and backwards to create more space but we prefer the added space at the wet bar so tend to keep it positioned aft, we can fold the side up which we do, but would prefer it flat, so thought making it a slider might be an option - has anyone got or seen a mechanism that we could buy off the shelf to do this ?
cheers

 

[Mr Googler]

I would use 250kg heavy duty draw slides laid flat between the table underside and leg bracket.

Then….a 12v linear actuator so it slides backwards and forwards at the press of a button. The actuator would hold it in any position ….or is that a bit OTT

 

[Flyingspanner]

I like the idea of draw slides - think I will stay away from 12v system as want to keep it simple - something like this do you mean

 

[Flyingspanner]

Or maybe this

 

[Mr Googler]

I was thinking something like these

AOLISHENG Heavy Duty Drawer Runners With Lock D2576, 1air

they can be locked at the fully extended or fully retracted position. Don’t want the table sliding about whilst underway

just not sure how they will stand up to be used in the wrong orientation in effect…ie as pictured

 

[Bouba]

The table mechanism you describe is not easy...for example

They are works of art and genius with matching prices. My suggestion is to look for a second hand extending table (there are so many different methods)...and then just cut it down to size and replace your existing table top...that way you can return your boat to original in the future

 

[colhel]

What if you turned the table 180 degrees so the hinges are aft? Our cockpit table is a bit wobbly which is p.i.t.a so whatever you do, my thoughts are, don't lose the sturdiness as even the slightest wobble will frustrate you

 

[Thornley Barnett]

I was thinking something like these

AOLISHENG Heavy Duty Drawer Runners With Lock D2576, 1air

they can be locked at the fully extended or fully retracted position. Don’t want the table sliding about whilst underway

just not sure how they will stand up to be used in the wrong orientation in effect…ie as pictured
View attachment 143462

in the wrong direction you will not be utilising the bearings, however they will not be sliding in and out much i would be tempted to grease them and give them a try

 

[Flyingspanner]

Thanks all, looking for a secondhand one is a great idea, maybe camper van sites will yield some results as well, yes I intend to reverse the table 180 Deg so the fold out section is at the rear seat, its a twin pedestal setup so very stable no wobble, the table splits so you can lower one half but don’t know what use this would be, happy to foin them together underneath, I have found some draw runners that are designed for bottom loading and they May have friction to hold them in place so will contact the company to find some more info ?

 

[colhel]

We have a table that doubles as an infill in pointy bit but I always found this made if cramped so a few weeks ago I fitted a smaller table. We haven't tried it yet but it does feel far less cramped. Looking at yours, I wonder if an elliptical shaped table would work or just a rectangular shape with larger radius corners. Ours is from here
Marine Teak Tables | Nauteak Marine

 

[Bouba]

Our boat came with a beautiful free standing table...it raised it tilted and was beautifully made...but it stood on the engine bay hatch! it was the only place it could go...so to inspect the engine it took two people to carry the table to the cockpit....it had to go..I dismantled it and took it home for storage and replaced it with a nest of tiny very light coffee tables...if you want to eat sitting at a table...go to a restaurant ?

 

[Flyingspanner]

Our boat came with a beautiful free standing table...it raised it tilted and was beautifully made...but it stood on the engine bay hatch! it was the only place it could go...so to inspect the engine it took two people to carry the table to the cockpit....it had to go..I dismantled it and took it home for storage and replaced it with a nest of tiny very light coffee tables...if you want to eat sitting at a table...go to a restaurant ?

I will buy your table from you ? - fortunately for us engine access is easy ?

 

[Bouba]

I will buy your table from you ? - fortunately for us engine access is easy ?View attachment 143478

It’s the same as my advice about your table...always keep the option of returning the boat to original spec for the next owner...so it’s not for sale?...in fact it’s buried under a pile of the wife’s possessions ? and would cost a fortune to ship?

 

[Bouba]

ps...I do like that hatch...taking off the engine cowling while at sea is a real pain...especially big engines with covers so big you can’t put them anywhere ??