Wobbly cockpit table in 370 Sundancer

[370Dancer]

Got tired of the cockpit table design causing items on the table to get slung all over the place. So, I beefed it up with my own design. Works GREAT!

What: the factory cockpit table base is installed on the engine hatch near the edge, which allows for substantial flex. Add a tall pole and put a 20 lb table on the end of the pole, and you have quite a lever for flexing the floor. Put a glass of red wine on it, and have someone lean on the table getting up or sitting down and you will launch the glass!

Why: The pole needed to be there because of the relation to the cockpit seating. Previous model years had multiple floor hatches, so it probably wasn't a concern. This one has 1 large motorized hatch, and the pole mount just wound up too close to the edge.

How: I removed the old mount, and secured a new hi-lo 10" base I got from a local marine surplus for about 100 bucks. I believe it came from either Cruisers, or Formula, and was the base for the salon dining table. Then, I reinforced the side of the hatch by sistering some stringers on the underside of the hatch, making sure I had clearance for the Starboard engine.

Result: Rock solid, "dance on it" table installation, that is adjustable in height. I can't remove the pole, and put in the center cushion to make a lounger anymore, but we never used that configuration anyway.

Here are the pics:

 

[Henry Boyd]

Looks dam solid. Too bad you couldn't have gotten it cut down so that it would retract and allow you to use the recliner.

Henry

 

[Warren]

Very nice modification - I have the same wobbly problem and would love to do this fix. The key is finding the table base so any other information that you might have would be useful. The wobble is a nuisance, but frankly unless I could find a replacement base fairly easily I know it wouldn't happen as there are so many other priorities. Great job, looks like an outstanding job. Thanks for posting the pics!!
Warren

 

[Henry Boyd]

Warren,

There are a number of table component suppliers. One of the largest is Garelick. I have used their table leg for a swimplatform grill mount, but they have a number of other designs. You might start there looking for something that would fit your needs and cross reference model numbers against what is listed on ebay.

Henry

 

[Skuza]

Great idea. Ours does the exact same thing. Only problem is we board on that side of the boat and need the table to be moveable. I wanted to find a fiberglass table base that some other models had that would allow you to move it around and hopefully be a little more stable.
PS: Where is your engine hatch seal!

 

[RubberDuckeeToo2]

I've got the same problem, but I see no need to replace the pole as that is not what is flexing. It's the deck itself. I'm interested in how you did the 'sistering' of what looks like 2 x 4's. Did you bolt them through the floor? A friend of mine suggested plate steel or thick aluminum, but I don't like the idea of all that metal down there.

Details?

Gene

 

[NorCal Boater]

Nice job. When do we get get the pics of the dancer on the table?

 

[Aarrhh & Aarrhh]

I have the same problem! We don't even use the table because of it. I think I'm going to have to use sheet metal to back it because I don't have the clearance to do something like that. Any ideas?

 

[370Dancer]

I've got the same problem, but I see no need to replace the pole as that is not what is flexing. It's the deck itself. I'm interested in how you did the 'sistering' of what looks like 2 x 4's. Did you bolt them through the floor? A friend of mine suggested plate steel or thick aluminum, but I don't like the idea of all that metal down there.

Details?

Gene

Yes, the 3rd 2x4, closest to the edge has bolts that go through the top of the hatch (gasp). that one is screwed to the horizontal 2x4, which in turn is screwed to the vertical 2x4 that is screwed to the stringer. (whew!) Sounds crazy, but it worked. Effectively, it moves the stringer support to the edge of the hatch.

 

[370Dancer]

Great idea.
PS: Where is your engine hatch seal!

Nice catch. When the adhesive fails, I just let them lie in the channels and close the hatch on em. I'm still thinking about that one, and how to work with gravity instead of against it.

 

[370Dancer]

Here it is in action.....

 

[Skuza]

Nice catch. When the adhesive fails, I just let them lie in the channels and close the hatch on em. I'm still thinking about that one, and how to work with gravity instead of against it.

Good eyes thats all...
Our insulation likes to fall down whenever I'm working on the genny. Our seal is still staying put for now.
Looks like the table works well!

 

[NorCal Boater]

Nobody's dancing....except maybe that lobster on the left.