Fletcher Capstan Tables

Specifications | Design History | Pricing

You can download video showing the our revolutionary tables in action. (Quicktime Required)

The expanding table shown here is the result of many years of modern development, but also follows a line of history of more than one and a half centuries. This, the Fletcher Capstan Table, is the only table in the world with its unique properties.

It is a round table which, when rotated at its outer perimeter, amazingly doubles its seating capacity and, just as astonishingly, remains truly circular. Very importantly it stores its expansion leaves within itself. Existing tables can seat six persons when small, and twelve or more when expanded, but there are other design possibilities. Operation, which has been described as ‘pure magic’ by Boat International magazine, really is a sight to behold and extremely quick, it taking only three seconds to complete an entire expansion or reduction cycle.

Its intricacy changes, according to the species of timber used, as the table metamorphoses from small to large, and vice versa. When small, the top is made up of six pie shaped leaves, and an outer skirt in the manner of a drum table. Under this first layer lie two more layers of leaves, the first strata made up of six arrow shaped leaves and, under that, a large star shaped leaf. Below all of this lies the magical mechanism, strikingly beautiful in its mechanical complexity. The whole assembly is supported on a base of varying design.

As the entire top is rotated through 30 degrees of movement (which may be human powered or driven by electric motor), all of these leaves reposition themselves, simultaneously elevating and radially expanding outward. Before you know it the table has snapped tightly shut in an entirely different mode and appearance.

All tables are individually designed and built, and each one numbered. Careful consideration is always given to a table’s location and components are made to the highest standards. Nautical tables are so constructed that they are able to resist a harsh marine environment to the point that they may be positioned permanently on an exposed deck.

PATENT GRANTED. DESIGN RIGHT.