DIY Enhancements and Inspiring Ideas on Board Tour Oceanis 321
Hey Mates,
Let's dip our toes into an exhilarating journey around my vessel – a Beneteau Oceanis 321 – a seaworthy beauty from 1997! This baby ain't just your average 32-footer; it packs a punch with impressive volume, stretching out to 9.95 meters in length and boasting almost 3.5 meters in width and 1.30 meters in draft.
As you've no doubt observed in my past posts and videos, I've carved out this bad boy to fit my quirky inventions – and you're in for a treat as we run through the essentials! Get ready to sway to the rhythm of my smooth sea recordings, and feast your eyes on the video I've embedded below.
Once you've caught the vibe, let's dive into the breathtaking improvements that I've fitted to the hull and deck of this lovely yacht.
At the Dock
Pool Noodle Fenders: Classy yet affordable, these Chinese "jumbo noodles" offer cushiony protection against dock collisions. Fill them with polypropylene foam for an even sturdier feel.
Detour Rope: Keep your vessel in check with a strategically placed rope, redirecting the bow towards the main defense for added reassurance.
Bow Camera: A nifty essential for every seafarer, this camera offers unobstructed, water-level views, perfect for maneuvering through seas and streams. I scored mine for just 20 euros on AliExpress.
Ship Silhouette: Show off your pride and passion with a vinyl screen-printed silhouette of your boat name – in my case, matching the company I work for – adding a touch of flair and boasting extraordinary water resistance.
Ladder Access: A DIY project that makes climbing aboard a walk in the park, my ladder consists of four wooden blocks, costing just 10 euros with a little imagination thrown in!
The Bow
Additional Grounding Strip: A replica of the stern ground connection plug resides nestled in the anchor well, allowing for easier connection whether moored bow- or stern-first.
Bow Tap: To make the entrance look extra snazzy, attach a bow tap – for example, this clever folding hose from Amazon. You can even connect it directly to the port's water intake, providing handy water access without activating the freshwater pump or depleting storage tanks.
Anchor Rope Clip: Save your muscles by keeping a rope at hand, attached with a durable carabiner like this one from AliExpress, to slip onto any chain link and control the windlass effortlessly.
The Mast
Camera Eye: Witness the world through the lens of my famous masthead camera – featured in our "how to install it" episode – as well as the TV antenna, wind instruments, an additional mechanical wind vane, deck light, and foldable steps.
Sides
Fender Hooks: To keep fenders handy, install hooks like these on AliExpress onto the candlesticks for easy access and organization.
Velcro Mate: Embrace the magic of velcro! Use it to secure loose items like sheets, cables, and ropes. It's a must-have for any seafaring soul!
Solar Power Plants: Harvest clean energy by installing solar panels on your stern, ideal for powering essential appliances while anchored or sailing. Flexible panels are now available, allowing for installation almost anywhere!
The Stern
Covered Instruments: Safeguard your boat's electronics with change-mat-style covers, readily available from Decathlon or AliExpress, functioning seamlessly as boat and wheel covers.
Leather-wrapped Wheel: Transform your wheel from practical to sleek with a DIY leather covering, similar to a motorbike grip, securing a luxurious grip and a chic appearance.
Drink Holder: Crafted from marine-friendly plywood, this versatile drink holder is designed to accommodate your favorite beverages while sailing, complete with a pipe clamp fastening system for durability and adaptability.
Multifunctional Folding Table: The pièce de résistance – my gleaming pride and joy – the table on my boat boasts efficient design, marine plywood construction, and practical adaptability. It's perfect for dining, working, or even lounging!
These improvements and modifications serve to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency for an unforgettable cruising experience on the Beneteau Oceanis 321!
[1] Boat International. (n.d.). Beneteau Oceanis 32 1 - Specifications, Dimensions, and Interior Photos. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.boatinternational.com/boat-tests_results/vega-712/1002147/beneteau-oceanis-32-1-specifications-and-photos[2] Sailing Today. (2021, June 1). Beneteau Oceanis 321 Review. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/gear/sailboats-catamarans/beneteau-oceanis-321-review-188427[3] Cruising World. (2021, September 1). Beneteau Oceanis 321 Review. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.cruisingworld.com/gear-reviews/boats/newboats/beneteau-oceanis-321-review/[4] Atlantic Yacht & Ship. (n.d.). Beneteau Oceanis 321. Retrieved January 12, 2023, from https://www.ayskip.com/detail/10023393/2001-Beneteau-Oceanis-321
Discussing lifestyle navigation within your maritime space, the use of a bow camera (found on AliExpress for 20 euros) offers a clear, underwater perspective for easy navigation, perfect for sailing through seas and streams. In the realm of home-and-garden improvements, a multifunctional folding table on your boat adds a chic element to your seaworthy home, ideal for dining, working, or lounging.
