The arrangement of a boat for comfortable fishing or recreation is a process that sooner or later affects each owner. boat-boardIt's a tool that allows you to spread out your gear, cook your food, or just put a sounder in a convenient way. Many models of inflatable boats don't have a full-fledged cockpit table, but they're limited to the cans, which can be a little uncomfortable for long trips.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of creating and installing a stationary or removable table, you will learn about the nuances of choosing materials that are not afraid of moisture, and the methods of attachment that guarantee safety. boat hull Not only does it increase comfort, but it also allows for the rational use of the limited cockpit space, making room for catch and gear.
Selection of materials and tools for marine conditions
The first thing that the master encounters is an aggressive aquatic environment, and ordinary plywood or chipboard will quickly become unusable, swelling from moisture. plywoodIt's also a composite, or a lightweight alloy, so that you don't overload the craft.
If you plan to make a tabletop out of wood, be sure to treat it with yacht varnish in several layers. ABS plastic or a textolite that is highly durable and completely inert to water.
Why can't you use regular plywood?
Conventional building plywood, when wet, is layered and loses strength in one season, and even with careful painting, moisture penetrates the ends and anchorages, causing rot and the appearance of fungi, which is dangerous to health.
For assembly, you will need a standard set of tools: an electric jigsaw, a drill with a set of drills, a grinder and stainless steel fasteners. Fastening It's critical: conventional screws will rust in a couple of weeks, leaving rusty streams on the sides of the boat, and use only brass, bronze or galvanized gear.
Design and removal of dimensions
Before you start to open, you need to clearly determine where your future table will be located. In inflatable boats, there are most often two options for accommodation: across the cockpit (in the place of the central bank) or along the side (console version). Cross-table It's more stable and easy to cook, but it takes up a lot of space, and the console version saves legroom, but it requires a more complex mounting system.
Take accurate measurements of the width of the boat inflated. Note that cylinders can slightly change geometry depending on air temperature and pressure. Leave small gaps ( 1-2 cm on each side) so that the table does not press on the PVC fabric when heated in the sun, but does not dangle too much. The optimal width of the countertop is usually 30-40 cm.
When designing, remember the height of the landing. The standard height of the can from the bottom is about 30-35 cm. If the table is going to serve as a dining room, the level should be comfortable for the sitting person. Sometimes it makes sense to make the structure composite or adjustable in height using telescopic racks.
Manufacture of countertops and bases
The fabrication process starts with the marking of the material. If you use plywood, you better make the cut with an electro-clove with a file for clean cutting, so that the edges are smooth. grind Sharp edges can damage the fabric of a boat or injure a fisherman when rolling.
To increase functionality in the countertop, you can immediately cut holes under cups, rods or mounts for the navigator. These holes also require careful edge processing and varnishing. If the countertop is made of plastic or composite, the holes are drilled with a crowned drill of the appropriate diameter.
☑️ Checking the preparedness of the countertop
The important step is finishing. Apply 3-4 layers of intermediate polished yacht lacquer. This will create a strong film that protects the tree from ultraphylete and water. For aluminum structures, degreasing and, if desired, painting powder paint in any color.
Affixing systems and retainers
The most important thing is the installation, the table should be kept "dead" without damaging the structure of the boat. graffiti Or special brackets that cover cylinders without drilling, and systems that use rim bolts glued into the bottom or side are also popular.
If you choose the option with a sticker of the screws, use only two-component polyurethane glue or special compounds for PVC. The places of sticker should be degreased and cleaned. Once the fastener is installed, allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before loading. The reliability of the fixation directly affects your safety on the water.
Use wide washers or rubber pads under the bolt heads. This will prevent the boat's fabric from being pressed through and protect the material from abrasion when vibrating during the course.
Removable structures have proven to be great for quick-removal connections, which allow you to quickly dismantle the table when you need to refit the boat for overnight accommodation or transportation, and make sure that the latch mechanism has a safety lock against accidental opening.
Comparison of materials for the manufacture of a table
Material choice is dictated not only by budget, but also by operating conditions. The table below compares the main options available to the home craftsman, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which must be weighed before starting work.
| Materials | Weight. | Moisture resistance | Difficulty processing | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea plywood | Medium. | Tall (covered) | Low. | 5-7 years |
| aluminum | Low. | Very high. | Medium | 10+ years |
| ABS plastic | Low. | Perfect. | High. | 7-10 years |
| Ordinary plywood | Medium. | Low. | Low. | 1-2 seasons |
As you can see from the table, aluminum And plastics are good for durability, but they require specific tools to handle, plywood is more affordable and easier to work with, but requires regular maintenance, and you have to choose from your skills and resources.
Additional equipment and ergonomics
The finished table is just a base, and to turn it into a full-fledged fishing workplace, add functional elements. spinnerIt's a power bank, a navigation device that allows you to free your hands when you're fishing or changing the bait, and it's also a good idea to have a place to attach the power bank or the navigation device.
There are often small niches under the countertop, which can be simple mesh pockets or sealed boxes attached to the bottom, and the rule of thumb is that nothing should just be lying around, otherwise everything will fly on the wave. Organization of space - the key to a successful fishing.
Any additional elements (holders, crates) must be removable or securely fixed, and in the event of a boat capsizing, they must not become a source of danger or injury.
If you like to fish at night, a small LED tape pasted around the bottom of the table and powered by a battery will create a comfortable work area without blinding your eyes or scaring the fish with bright light.
Safety and maintenance of the structure
Operating homemade equipment requires constant monitoring. Before each release, check the condition of the mounts. Vibration and dynamic loads can weaken the threaded joints. Use a thread lock (anaerobic sealant) when assembly, so that the screws do not twist themselves.
What to do if the table starts to creak?
Screeching usually occurs because the metal is rubbed against a metal or wood. Disassemble the compound, apply graphite lubricant or use Teflon gaskets. This will eliminate sound and prolong the life of the unit.
After every fishing trip, especially in salt water, the structure must be rinsed with fresh water. Salt is a powerful catalyst for corrosion even for stainless steels. It is better to keep the table disassembled in a dry room to prevent deformation and mold on wooden elements.
⚠️ Warning: Never attach heavy structures directly to inflated cylinders without special protective linings. Friction and point pressure can lead to PVC fabric scuffing and depressurization of the boat on the water.
Check the lacquer coating regularly. If you have chipped or scratched, immediately clean and paint the areas. Moisture trapped in the wood fibers through a microcrack will trigger a process of decay that will quickly become irreversible. Prevention It is always cheaper and easier than repairing or replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular picnic table in a boat?
You can only use folding picnic tables in calm weather in the parking lots, they don't have reliable fasteners, and they can shift when they roll, which is dangerous, and you'd better make a specialized version that is integrated into the design of the boat.
How much weight can a table of marine plywood 10 mm?
With proper perimeter mounting and support legs (or support on the side), a table of 10-millimeter marine plywood can easily withstand a load of up to 40-50 kg. This is enough to accommodate gear, food and a small gas cylinder.
Do I need to remove the table when transporting a boat in assembled form?
When blowing and folding a boat, any rigid structures inside can damage the fabric of cylinders or bottoms, and the table should be dismantled and transported separately or in a case.
What is the best way to paint a boat table?
The best choice is two-component epoxy paints or specialized yacht enamels, which create a durable, chemically resistant coating that is not afraid of gasoline, oil and prolonged contact with water.