A.Dining al fresco is one of the joys of being afloat. Eating off a cockpit table is much more civilized than eating off a plate in your lap.
B. Often a simple picnic table will do the job nicely. Or a combined “table and chairs” model
C. Can be used, with the legs up and held in place with body weight.
D. A teak cockpit grate can sometimes be modified to double as a pop-up table.
E. Alternatively, part of a bunk base might be used as a table. In this case, the solidly built tiller is used as a central support, allowing plenty of legroom. A hinge-down notched leg locks the tiller amidships, and sliding bolts hold everything together.
F. It’s also possible to modify an interior door with lift-off hinges. It will need some sort of ledge to hook inside the companionway and can be fixed in place with sliding bolts. A fold-down leg braced against the bridgedeck base maximizes legroom.
G. Folding tables can be hung from a strong steering pedestal. To protect the wood, the outer faces of the folding table can be painted white; only the larger unfolded sections need be varnished. You can also cover the table and pedestal with canvas when the boat is left unattended.
