Cockpit Table Height

[bcboomer]

I'm going to add a binnacle mounted table.
We've never had a cockpit table and I'm wondering why many of them are mounted so high.
Typically they seem to be mounted above the guard bracket at around 30".
That would put the table about 15" above my 15" high cockpit seats.
I'd like the table at about 25". Am I missing something?

[bobnlesley]

I've just measured ours which we find works quite well and it's 30" above the cockpit floor and perhaps more importantly, stands 12" higher than our 18" cockpit seat height - the table's 3/4" thick, so 11.25" clear.
You need to decide for yourself, but I think you might find that only 10" of leg-room a bit tight, with ours I'd plump for one inch more rather than one inch less, so depending on thickness of the table itself, perhaps 27 or 28" for yours?

[Mark Stillwell]

I'm 6' tall. Just measured and I need 24"+ to get my knee under a table. Most kitchen tables are about 30"

[bcboomer]

Most of the ergonomic info I see gives 10 - 12 inches between table top and chair. 25 - 27 inches for the table is what I planned on (the Admiral and I are 5'5" and 5'6" so that works) but wondered if there is a reason so many boats have 16 to 17" between cockpit seat and table top.
Maybe they just like their plates real close to their faces for more efficient eating.
The only issue I can see will be maneuvering past a folded 16" table top in our 32" wide footwell.

[Ukeluthier]

Keep in mind that you need to allow for the thickness of cockpit cushions, if any.

[Cheechako]

They are probably high so you can quickly get out from under the table without banging your knees etc. ..... like when you are sitting there quietly having a drink and a powerboat wake rocks the boat and all the charcoal out of your BBQ dumps on the boat!