One of the benefits of offering custom solutions for boat owners is that, every once in a while, a project comes through that can meet the needs of a much wider audience. This was precisely the case with a recently launched offering by Boat Outfitters, a removable table that fits into transom-mounted rod holders and provides a convenient surface for bait prep, fish cleaning, grilling and serving.
The Vision: a Dual-Purpose Upgrade
The story began when Bryan purchased his Sportsman 282 TE. When it comes to boating, Bryan and his family have two passions: fishing and spending afternoons at the local sandbar. The Sportsman 282 TE was a great match for both activities, but Bryan wanted to take things up a notch.
He knew from prior experience that Boat Outfitters fabricated many of the OEM components of his boat, and he wanted his upgrades to match, so he started by reviewing the products on the Boat Outfitters website.
Bryan’s need seemed simple, but there were certain aspects that made finding the right solution a challenge.
He needed a large flat surface that could be adapted to either fishing or sandbar related activities and he had a particular vision in mind for what he wanted.
He knew that Boat Outfitters offered rod holder-mounted fillet tables, but quickly realized that he needed something bigger and more robust than the standard tables offered on the site.
Specific Requirements
The realization that he would need to go down the custom route immediately sparked his imagination. No longer constrained to specific parameters, Bryan looked at his boat with a fresh set of eyes.
Ideally, he wanted a table big enough to comfortably rig baits and fillet larger fish, but one that could also act as a food service platform when he and the family were spending afternoons at the sandbar.
The requirements of the fillet table were relatively straightforward — it needed to be large enough to facilitate cleaning larger gamefish, and provide safe and secure storage for fillet knives, with designated space for rigging equipment.
The alternative uses of the table required more imagination.
Bryan does sandbar days in style. These sandbar trips aren’t sustained on soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Bryan wanted to bring his portable Weber grill, but he needed the right platform to do so.
Bryan does sandbar days in style. These trips aren’t sustained on soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Boats and grills can be a tricky combination, so keeping the grill secured properly was a major consideration. Finally, when the grill isn’t in use, Bryan wanted to have a convenient drink caddy to keep his guests hydrated throughout the afternoon.
Additional Considerations
With a long list of potential — and potentially conflicting — uses, the Boat Outfitters design crew had their work cut out for them. But Bryan’s list of requirements kept growing. When it comes to custom solutions, Boat Outfitters’ unofficial motto is, “If you can dream it, we can build it,” and Bryan put them to the test.
Fundamentally, there were two critical design considerations Bryan asked for. First, he wanted the final solution to look like it was an original part of the boat, and Bryan already knew that many components of popular boat brands were manufactured by Boat Outfitters, so he knew that this custom component could be built to blend in.
He wanted the table to be designed in a manner that would increase the usable space on the boat, and not interfere with seating or high traffic areas in the cockpit.
Second, he also wanted the table to be designed in a manner that would increase the usable space on the boat, and not interfere with seating or high traffic areas in the cockpit. Bryan had already found the perfect spot at the stern of the boat. The challenge was that the area he had identified was a popular seat for his guests. The table had to be designed cleverly and in such a way that the seat would still be comfortable, but the table would be a comfortable height and position to deliver on its purpose.
Design Process
Bryan took measurements and made rough sketches of what he had in mind, then worked with a Boat Outfitters project manager to bring it to life. The concept they came up with was to develop a robust, oversized fillet table, and to build it in such a way that components could be attached to it that would serve the particular needs of each trip.
For fishing trips, he would have plenty of space for rigging, with integrated storage for fillet knives, pliers and critical gear. For sandbar trips, they designed a drop-in base that allowed Bryan to attach the feet of his Weber grill.
When grilling time was over, the grill base could be replaced with a removable drink caddy to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Both drop-in components were cleverly attached through the back of the fillet table with two twist knobs to keep them securely in place when underway.
When grilling time was over, the grill base could be replaced with a removable drink caddy to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
To address the space requirements, the table legs would be inserted into vertical, zero-degree rod holders on the backside of his transom.
Bryan and his project manager then designed white powder-coated aluminum legs to fit into these rod holders, matching the trim of the rest of the boat.
The legs of the table extended to the exact height Bryan needed, and forward just enough to make the table comfortable, but back far enough to avoid interfering with the seating when it was in use. Bryan and the Boat Outfitters designers were also careful to ensure that the table didn’t interfere with the outboard engines when they were tilted upwards.
The Final Result
The final result was so impressive that the Boat Outfitters team decided to take the concept primetime. Now available as a kit, the unit offers flexibility and functionality to any boat owner with similar needs.
The large fillet table makes bait preparation, rigging and fishing cleaning simple.
Made of rigid, durable King Starboard and powder coated aluminum, it is weatherproof, zero-maintenance and nearly indestructible.
With the fillet table serving as a foundation, Bryan’s design maximizes functionality by allowing him to quickly and securely attach accessories for his family’s sandbar days.
With the fillet table serving as a foundation, Bryan’s design maximizes functionality by allowing him to quickly and securely attach accessories
With a quick turn of a few twist knobs, he can grill up burgers and hot dogs over the transom of his boat, and then, when the cooking is done, he can swap out the grill with the drink caddy and keep the party going.
Bryan’s story is one of many stories behind the hundreds of products available on Boat Outfitters. Many of these products started with a simple need to make a boat more useful. Whether you are looking for storage, organization, or entertainment options, the wide range of products on the Boat Outfitter’s site are just the beginning.
Like Bryan, you may find that you need something a little different, a little more flexible, or even just a different size. That’s where the Boat Outfitters project managers shine. Bring us your ideas, measurements, and maybe even a sketch or two, and we can help bring your idea to life.
Product Details
If this kind of solution might meet your needs, there are some additional things to know:
Mounting Options:
- This unit is designed to be mounted into two, vertical transom mount rod holders.
- The unit works with either surface-mounted or externally mounted rod holders.
- The legs of the table were designed to fit Gemlux rod holders, but come with a graduated plastic sleeve to allow them to fit into a wide variety of standard-sized rod holders.
- A shim kit is included to allow for slight adjustments to the angle of the table.
- The legs of the table are white powder-coated aluminum and can be cut down to achieve the desired table height.
The Table:
- Table is 39” wide by 17” deep and made of durable 3/4” King Starboard.
- The kit comes with pre-drilled holes, which help the customer position the table on the legs based on common rod holder placement.
Accessories:
- The grill base and drink caddy are available separately, and attach to the back of the fillet table using two twist knobs.
- The grill base holds small grills using twist knobs that secure the grill feet into position.