Foldable Oak Table
What
Pro Carpenter Job
Skill level
High, space-saving
Value
Description
Two custom sturdy, oak, foldable tables with lightweight aluminium honeycomb core. Each table is foldable on two sides and fits onto the standard Neel table legs and base.
A box with a lid and grate bottom is fitted in the center to stow away anything you may need to. We keep salt/pepper and table mats in ours. Or our mosquito coil, a cigar ashtray, sunscreen bottles etc in the outside box. There’s room to stand a couple of large drinks bottles when underway.
Since the tables are custom-made, we specified sizes that when fully open and lowered, are flush with the height of the seating around the table. We also asked Neel to make us a foldable mattress that fits exactly on top the saloon table. Together, the table can be converted into a large day bed (or night bed).
WHY
Neel offers two table sizes for the 47: The full size dining table or the narrow cocktail table. Unlike the table on the Neel 51, the full-size isn’t foldable. So you need to choose one or the other, but you actually want both. In theory, the standard tables are interchangeable but they’re heavy and difficult to lift off the base. We tried this – switching them around often isn’t feasible.
In winter you’ll probably want to dine indoors and in summer, your entertaining and dining takes place in the cockpit. With foldable tables we don’t need to choose, just flip them open or shut depending on how much space you need.
To have more of a lounge feeling (to lay together reading or watching a movie) we can swop the high table legs for the shorter ones. The custom tables fold out to fit exactly in the space between benches. Multi-functionality achieved!
PROS
Our foldable table design provides:
- Much more space to manoeuvre around the saloon or cockpit
- Four different positions to suit dining, cocktail or lounging
- Easy and quick to change positions
- Straightforward access to the port-side couches and storage boxes in saloon
- The inlaid box has a metal grill base that can be removed for cleaning and also any liquid splashing over it, will flow out below.
- Folded, the tables provide a sturdy support to lean or hold onto underway in bumpy seas – Fewer bruises!
- The multifunctional foldable cushion can be stowed easily, fits perfectly on the helm bench or can be used for lounging on the trampoline or rooftop too.
CONS
- The table is about 5 kg heavier than the standard Neel table.
- The standard Neel table legs are too high (Italian height) and folding the table adds another 3cm to the surface.
- We plan to shorten the table legs at some point. Or need to get higher cushions made.
WOULD WE DO AGAIN
Whilst this table isn’t crazy heavier than the standard Neel 47 table, it could be lighter. Next time we’d be more careful about ensuring the lowest weight possible.
We love the natural oiled oak wood, it adds a warm touch but you could choose any other durable material.
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