Oceanis 321 Boat Tour: Ingenious Suggestions and Easy Do-It-Yourself Makeovers
Transforming a Sailboat: A Beneteau Oceanis 321 Makeover
A Beneteau Oceanis 321, a beloved cruising sailboat, has undergone a series of transformations to enhance its safety, comfort, and usability. Here's a look at some of the modifications that have been made to this 9.95-meter vessel, which boasts a beam of approximately 3.5 meters and a draft of 1.30 meters.
Cabins and Exterior
The boat features three spacious cabins, providing ample living space for its crew. Exterior modifications include the use of hooks for fenders, which are left attached to candlesticks, a practical solution for easy storage. Changers from Decathlon or Aliexpress can be used to cover the boat's blog and wheel.
Defense and Boarding
At the dock, defense is provided by jumbo pool noodles from a nearby Chinese store. A ladder made from four blocks of wood has been added to make boarding the boat more comfortable.
Energy and Navigation
Solar panels can be installed on the stern to provide silent energy while anchored or sailing. Flexible solar panels, affordable on Aliexpress or Amazon, can be placed almost anywhere on the boat. A bow camera is installed on the boat, connected by cable and protected with silicone, while a masthead camera offers additional views.
Safety and Manoeuvrability
The anchor rope can be manually attached to any link in the chain using a carabiner from Aliexpress. A multipurpose folding table can be made using marine plywood, stainless steel hinges from Aliexpress, aluminum and stainless steel tube, and metal sheet. This table is adaptable to needs and can be expanded to fit the front door.
Common Upgrades
Many owners upgrade the standing and running rigging, seacocks, windlasses, solar power systems, and add bow thrusters for better manoeuvrability. Interior and cockpit customization, comfort upgrades, and various safety modifications are also popular. The serigraphy of the boat's name matches the name of the company the owner works for. A cover for the steering wheel can be made from three covers for the steering wheel of a car from Aliexpress, and this cover has lasted three years and still looks new.
This 1997 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has been customised to suit its owner's needs and preferences, reflecting common owner preferences for the Beneteau Oceanis series and similar Oceanis models. The specifics may vary depending on the boat's age and owner's cruising style, but generally centre on these types of upgrades.
The navigation system on this transformed Beneteau Oceanis 321 has been enhanced with the installation of a bow camera and a masthead camera for added views. Incorporating a modern lifestyle touch, a cover for the steering wheel can be made from car steering wheel covers purchased from Aliexpress, serving as a home-and-garden upgrade onboard.
