DIY Convertible Boat Tables
Too much table here
My own LM 32 is about as close to my ideal boat as a monohull in my price range can get. Two items on my list of potential improvements involve tables:
The factory Salon Table is HUGE! Even with both tops folded down it’s imposing. An obstacle in navigating the space even. Great if you expect to serve six inside but I don’t. These DIY Convertible Boat Tables are far more functional for me.
The pilothouse, with it’s incredible view through big windows all around, has no table or even a single horizontal surface to place a coffee cup near the wheel. A small table adjacent to the helmsman’s seat would provide a place to eat, work, or snack while enjoying the visual surroundings.
Swing Out Table
While primarily solving the lack of table space in the Pilot House, the swing out table can also be relocated to serve as additional table space in the salon. The first attempt revolved around a cheap wallmount for a small TV or monitor. The idea was great, but the fully extended range proved to be too limited.
Instead I settled on a product aimed at the RV market and is available in various brands and quality ranges. I picked mine up at Amazon for around $100. It’s not amazing quality but it’s lightweight, practical and does the job.
It takes a bit of positioning the entire contraption before settling on a suitable spot for the mounting plate. In my case a spacer would be required to provide enough clearance for rotation. One of my favorite low-cost construction materials is cheap dollar-store cutting boards. Three pieces were required to achieve adequate spacing. They are easily cut with a table saw or circular saw and can be drilled with little effort.
Once the mounting spot and required spacers are determined, we can use the backing plate as a template, not only for making the spacers but also to mark the drill holes where the mounting plate will be secured. Don’t forget to check behind where you’re drilling. There are cables and lines everywhere on boats.
Once in place it can be raised, lowered, swung and rotated to reach a variety of positions. Another mounting plate is ordered as well, so the entire contraption can be easily moved to the salon for additional table surface. A nicer, slightly smaller tabletop needs to be produced. This temporary one is too big and not particularly visually pleasing. When not in use the hardware can be removed or tucked up against the bulkhead as pictured.
Fold-Up Table
The table in the salon lasted about three months, after which I removed it, cut it down and re-installed it. Still not satisfied, the modified original table was scrapped, leaving a marvelous large empty space.
To provide an immediate, small amount of table space, a fold up (or down?) table, just large enough for a laptop and mouse would suffice in the short term.
Such tables can be found ready-made at IKEA, Amazon, etc. I opted to procure these locking, pivoting brackets and combine with my own table-top. A more traditional piano hinge and a fold-out support could also be adopted.
For additional table space, the Swing-Out Table in the Pilot House can also be moved to the salon, as well as an additional adjustable table that goes a little everywhere and combines with the freezer to make a bar table. (More on that in a separate article.)