J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Table post head scratcher

Hi all-

OK - going preface this question as an odd one. But, I'm going to ask it!

On #426, our table posts appear to be "fixed". However, I believe they should be removable (which we'd like to be able to do from time to time). So, I'm wondering if this is something that happens as a known issue (i.e. aluminum and steel fusing in bilge area) OR could it be that the previous owner decided to fuse them with epoxy/glue? (I'm sort of assuming the latter since both posts are aligned with the support rod holes facing to the starboard side @ a perfect 90deg...)

Before I start hammering away at a location directly above the keel to try to break the epoxy bond, thought I would at least ask to make sure I wasn't missing something that was common knowledge out there.

(and - if there are any thoughtful tips on how to break an epoxy/glue bond like that without force, I'm open to them...

Thanks!
- Jeff

They're "welded" due to the dissimilar metals and the wet environment. Lift up the floorboard and hack saw the table leg even with the top of the pipe bonded in the fiberglass. Then get a smaller diameter pipe that fits snug in the center of the sawed off section. Remove it periodically so you don't create the same problem.

I've got the same problem - previous owner already sawed off the legs. I've thought about getting in there with a hammer and chisel and working the old metal out, but I'm missing the legs too.

If you find a source for the new smaller tube post it here. I've not bothered with it yet cause we usually keep the table out for racing, but would like to fix this some time (the table sure "looks" good).

-dan

Thanks Bill - very helpful.

Dan - once I get this figured out, I'll post a solution and any source I can track down. I'm thinking I'll figure out some sort of ferule that can insert in the tubes and the keel area. Has to be a source for aluminum extruded tubing for the exact dimension, right? Epoxy ferules into top-half of tubes and then slide them in to the "new" narrower base tubes.

Thanks, Jeff

I went through the table post problem several years ago. I cut the posts off at the keel holes and inserted PVC pipes into the the holes at the keel and put the old posts back over them. I used two diameter PVC pipes (one inside of the other) to give them good stiffness. This has been working fine. No further problem with corrosion welding the pipes to the keel holes and still have the correct diameter pipe for the top of eh table and it is the correct (original) height. I will say that I almost never use the table. The most use it gets is when I carry it back and forth on the dock to get it off the boat when I go sailing.

I have to say that the table for Rhapsody has stayed covered in my basement ever since I've owned the boat. Some day I'm sure it will come in handy. I've had 4 bicycles lashed below decks when cruising at times with the family, so haven't had room for the table :-)

I hear you. Right now, having more floor space for small kids to crawl around without 1.) hitting heads on drop leaves and 2.) pinching fingers trying to lift said drop leaves = happier parents (and fewer crying kids too). Plus, the kids really prefer the small drop-leaf shelf/tables on the galley and nav station bulkheads. ;-)

However, for a 30 footer, it's a great table.

- Jeff

I love my table when cruising, but obviously do not race with it in place-and I have the "fused leg" problem as well. We just left the legs in place (they do a good job of holding sails in place during the race) but I was always nervous about somebody falling on them and getting cut. Plus, they were ugly during post race cocktail hours! I had long talked about making a small "cocktail table" to go over the legs-about a foot shorter than the real table, and about the same width. Finally last year, a friend and sometime crewmember who is great at working with wood made me a beautiful maple/sapele table (mimics the teak and holly floor, but with the pattern reversed) into which we cutout a couple of circular cup holders. Looks fantastic, weighs about 5 pounds (maybe less), and covers those menacing table leg tops.

It's funny. I have a completely different table arrangement on Natural High. There isn't even the post mount on the keel. Mine attaches to the bulkhead and has a wooden support leg with a single drop leaf with an additional fold up leg. I like it, and probably could easily convert it to fold up completely against the bulkhead.

I recall that from when I looked at Natural High a few years back when it was on the market. I thought it had a pretty smart table configuration as well and different from most of the other J/30s I've seen.

@Steve: great solution. Sometimes we all just need a place to put our drink... ;-) And, the stock table is a beast. Cupholders, 5lbs, attractive, and protection for the posts. All good.