Hey there, fellow boat enthusiasts! 👋
On the OVNI 435, there was no original table outside—or at least not one I could figure out. I later learned that the wooden panel from the floor is supposed to work as a table, but I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out how to make it work. So, we decided to build a custom table for Tatooine.
The Wood Choice
We decided to go with bamboo for this project because, let’s face it—teak wood is way too expensive! Bamboo, on the other hand, is an excellent alternative. It’s affordable, durable, and naturally water-resistant, which makes it perfect for the demands of boat life.
A Flexible Design
One of the best features of this table is its flexibility. It’s designed to flip out on both sides, giving us extra space when needed. Whether we’re hosting guests or just want a bigger surface for meals, we can easily expand it to brighten up the deck. And when we don’t need it, the table conveniently folds into a vertical position behind the wheel—no need to dismantle anything!
The Magnetic Twist
Here’s where things get really fun: we’ve hidden metal stripes underneath a smooth white epoxy coating on the table, and they work their magic with the magnets glued under the plates and glasses. The result? No more runaway dishes! Even when Tatooine is swaying, your dishes stay exactly where you put them. It’s like a superhero power for your dinnerware—no more sliding plates or spilled drinks when the sea decides to get a little rough. Dining on deck just got way more fun and stress-free!
Now, full disclosure—this genius system will keep your plates and glasses locked down, but sadly, it won’t stop your spaghetti from making a great escape off the plate when the boat’s rocking.
The best solution we’ve found? Switch to a bowl instead of a plate when things get choppy.
You can buy magnetic plates, cups, and even stylish wine glasses from Silwy. They look amazing and work great.
Alternatively, for the DIYers out there, you can stick a magnet under your existing plates and glasses with some epoxy, and boom—you’ve got your own magnetic setup without needing to replace your favorite dinnerware.
Fixing the Table 🛠️
To ensure our table stays securely in place we crafted custom POM brackets to hold the table firmly, paired with an aluminum pole for extra stability. And to keep the surface flat during meals, we added a single foldable aluminum rod. It’s easy to set up, and when not needed, it folds away neatly.
We even added a table extension—though, in all honesty, we’ve never actually used it!
The Satisfying Results 🎉
I’m very happy with the result —it comfortably seats up to six people for dinner, making it perfect for hosting meals on deck. And when we’re sailing or not using it, the table folds away easily, keeping the space clear. During the winter months, when Tatooine goes into hibernation, we take the table inside for storage, so it’s in great shape and ready for the next season’s adventures!
