The AFI table is mounted in the port rod holder, while the Magma is sitting in the transom rod holder. Another option, if you’ve got the space, expertise, and inclination, is a custom-made permanently-mounted table like the one we have on our Contender (far left). We had it built at a plastics shop for about $160 and then fastened it to the fiberglass hood that covers the Suzuki DF250 test engine.

A table with fiddles placed strategically in the cockpit comes in handy for cutting bait and filleting fish. We looked at a pair of portable plastic tables held in place with bases that fit into a rod holder.

Magma Products sent us its Bait/Fillet Mate Table with Levelock Mount, model number T10-313. It measures 12-1/2- x 31-inches and is available at West Marine for $80. The company also markets a 20-inch version ($64) as well as several other styles. The high-density polyethylene plastic table top, sides, and backsplash are held together with stainless steel screws. Openings in the corners allow for water drainage. A single slot milled into the tabletop…