Dan’s DIY Hard Lap-Tray

I’ve been working out in my garage for the last couple of days working out a few ideas I had on making my prototype for a hard lap-tray and I ended up with this for my Cumberland float tube.

Constructed out of Marine varnished 1/4” veneer plywood (3-coats) and some PVC moldings. 


It’s just been something in order for me to save my sanity, it’s been keeping me busy and out of trouble! 
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What types of fishing related projects are you guys working on these days?

SP Dan

That looks awesome! I love the ruler design. I would have never thought to have made it out of wood. You are a genius.

Very nice Dan. That marine grade plywood lasts a long time outdoors and looks good too.

What is the weight of the finished tray?

That is cool i am sure you are going to like it. How much does it weigh?

That is one Serious Landing Apron Dan! Great work! We know you need this with all the Legal Halibut's you have been landing! You have to be ready to land that next 30lber! Great idea and thanks for sharing!

My reliable makeshift tapped-n’-riveted together hard lap-tray; seen in all my fish photos, weighs 3 lbs 3.6 oz.
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I need to brush-on a final coat of varnish today and so I will weigh it tomorrow, for all you curious folk’s that are asking. lol It will be a pleasure!

Heck! ... I’m curious too! lol 

This new tray was designed to be a little bit larger than it’s predecessor, which I’ve always wanted it to be.

I’m also using the heavier white PVC pipe and molding material instead of the lighter in weight black ABS.

I couldn’t find ABS molding anywhere. I don’t think they make it.

I was able to locate a few feet (not enough) of the old
pre-varnished pieces of Teak moldings off demolished ships at $35 for five feet ... ouch! ... which was my initial thought but that was just too expensive for even me!

Heck ... I’d rather buy another reel for that much money!

SP Dan

Wow..thats really nice.

Ok .... here it is!

The official weight is ..... 4 lbs 11oz.
I was hoping to stay under 6 pounds when I started this DIY project. A success!

Here it is just before it’s last coat of marine varnish.
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The last and final coat of varnish was also applied over the top of the measurement tape as well.
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I added a bump board and I really like the way the wood grain shows thru the 1” wide measuring tape!  
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Dan

What does something like this retail for?

Not really sure JohnnyB.

It looks like approx $120 and about 10 days of work. Each coat of varnish was allowed to cure for 24-hrs. Three coats of varnish on both sides, lightly sanded each time between coats using 220 grit sand paper.

This was a time taking task of luv which was a very relaxing DIY project for me to spend my time on; and besides all of that, I'm saving a small $$$ fortune in money these days by not dating during these strange days of being isolated.

I'm having a tuff time in finding a lady that will go on a float tube fishing date with me!   Ha ha ha!.

Here it goes:   Approx $120 in materials, + my time.
$15 for 1/4" plywood
$15 for PVC moldings
$20 for SS hardware and nylon bushings
$41 for a pint of UV resistant Marine varnish (the very best)
$15 for tarps, brushes, paint thinner
Added
$20 for transparent, self-adhesive, 1" wide w/ lg numbers measure tape

SP Dan

Cash or card...i'll pick it Wednesday

JohnnyB wrote:Cash or card...i'll pick it Wednesday

 Ha ha ha! Are you joking or being real?!
I would sell this and simply build myself another. Ha ha!

If I were to sell my newly constructed hard lap-tray for any Cumberland FT, I'd have to ask at least $170.00 cash, as is new. Heck, the varnish isn't even all the way dried yet Johnny!   Ha ha ha! $50 for my time.

This was really a time consuming project for me and I luv'd it.

I might be willing to construct custom plywood lap-trays on request for some local SoCal people only. Must pick up tray in San Pedro.

SP Dan

I would like to build a hard lap-tray for an Outcast and then for a MAXXUM someday soon. I’ve got a couple of pretty good ideas that are just stirring around in my head for now.

If anybody would be interested in some help/assistance or in having me build for you a hard tray for your float tube, please reach out to me. Cost to you will be materials only.

I also believe that I also build a pretty-good ABS swiveling rod-rack that superior. Cost to you will be materials only.

I’m just looking to stay busy and still stay involved in fishing!

I reside in San Pedro (SoCal). Will call only.

SP Dan

Very nice SP Dan! Looks legit.

I built it a bit larger per the suggestion of a good fishing friend and I don’t care for it being this size, I’d prefer it to be the same size as my smaller original plastic lap-tray like the one that’s falling apart. lol

SP Dan

Its a little rich for me, but im sure this will make someone a happy camper for Christmas.

Honestly, I really don’t care if it sales or not ... I’m staying busy and having fun exploring ideas.
I could take this [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] tray and easily mount it on any of those flat forms.

I’m almost finished with my prototype [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] for approx $35 my cost.
I am really hoping that [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] will weigh less than the 3-lbs 3.6 oz that the plastic tray weighs.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] will be having fish on her very soon!

SP Dan

How soon, by tomorrow morning?

JohnnyB wrote:How soon, by tomorrow morning?

I’ve got too many Dr. appts this week.
I honestly can’t make it out again until this coming weekend.

I might be fishing out of Cabrillo Beach this weekend and for a while to come. I’ll see.