Captain Steve wrote:Did you just trace off the plastic table or did you modify the shape at all.
Well, I started with a tracing, yes, but then took very accurate measurements of the gap from the two settee benches so I'd get that bit right for when it gets lowered to make a bed. Also had to take careful measurements of the holes where you screw it down. I made a pattern out of stiff corrugated cardboard, tried it in place, adjusted and trimmed it as necessary, and then I made the table from that pattern.
Captain Steve wrote:I am interested in putting drawers underneath it.
Yeah, so am I. The trick with that is to buy the drawers first, then cut a slot in the support stringers underneath, and position the stringers at the right distance apart for the drawers to slide nicely. I was planning to use a Rubbermaid or Sterling brand plastic box as the drawer but I've not done it yet.
Captain Steve wrote:Is there clearance issues when the table is dropped down for a bed.
Nope. Works great.
Captain Steve wrote:Lastly, a source for drawers...and photos would be nice.
Hard to find photos on-line, but look in Target or Walmart in the Kitchen or Bath storage bins areas... they have lots of bins and trays... pick ones you like!
Captain Steve wrote:I am not a finish carpenter type of guy so is this project too deep over my head?
Well, depends on how nice you want the result. You could simply just cut a piece of plywood to the right size, then drill holes to match the original ones and use the original securing knobs... that would be dead easy... just stain, varnish and you're good to go. If you want to do what I did - make the rails that go along the side, cover all the exposed edges with edging veneer and then make custom knobs, well, that's a bit harder and would require some skill with a router, table saw, clamping and gluing, and drill press, and a bit of hand-carving as well.
Captain Steve wrote:I saw another mod in the mod section for losing the table leg and fabricating a bracket off the compression pole...would this work?
I suppose so. I liked the original leg setup and it seemed to me that if I'd made the table deep enough to use the post as a support that the table would protrude too deeply into the isle and I'd be hitting with my hips as I walked past it all the time. Besides, there's a fair old bit of flex in our boats, and linking the hull's side to the post via the table might lead to a considerable bit of squeaking as the two fought against each other!