DIY Enhancements aboard Oceanis 321 Cruise: Ingenious Suggestions and Meticulous Improvements
Hey there, sailors!
Today, I'm gonna take you on a little tour of my boat—a Beneteau Oceanis 321 from 1997! This bad boy boasts three spacious cabins despite being just a 32-footer, with impressive length and beam. At almost 3.5 meters in beam and 1.30m in draft, this vessel has great volume!
Course, like the other posts and vids you've seen, my boat's jam-packed with inventions. Let's dive into some of the top ones:
At the dock
- Defenses based on pool noodles — These cheap flotation devices from the local Chinese store make awesome fenders all over your dock! Stuff 'em with foam for added consistency.
- Detour rope — A strategically placed line to guide the bow towards your main defense.
- Bow camera — A simple, waterproof camera like this one. It's perfect for sailing, connected by cable for Raspberry Pi, tablet, or even home access!
- Serigraphy of the ship — My boat's name matches my company, with vinyl screen-prints for some promotional flair. Magic stuff, really! It withstands water dramatically well.
- Ladder to climb — Made from a few wooden blocks and a couple of bucks, it's a quick, comfortable way to board the boat.
The bow
- Additional grounding plug — An extra plug inside the anchor well for easier ground connection, depending on whether you're moored at bow or stern.
- Bow tap — A Breezy looking chain sweetener or folding marine hose for a posh boat look. You can get 'em on Amazon or AliExpress.
- Anchor rope — Keep a rope with a carabiner handy to manage the windlass when anchored. Get one from AliExpress!
The mast
- Masthead camera — Catch a bird's-eye view with a masthead camera—just like we showed in our tutorial on how to install it. You can get one on AliExpress for 20 bucks!
- TV antenna — For better qualitycommunication or entertainment on-board.
- Wind vane — An extra mechanical wind vane to complement the original one.
- Deck light — Upgrade your light to a spotlight, perfect for nighttime anchorages.
- Folding steps — Add some folding steps near the masthead to make working easier up there!
Sides
- Hooks for fenders — Hooks like these let you leave fenders attached to the candlesticks, a great source for cheap purchases on AliExpress!
- Velcro — Double-sided velcro comes in handy for every nautical task, from cable management to securing ropes! You can find affordable rolls on AliExpress!
- Solar installation — Silent and essential energy for anchored or sailing boats with solar panels. Flexible solar panels let you place them anywhere, like on Amazon or AliExpress!
The stern
- Covers for instruments and wheel — Inexpensive changing-mat material from Decathlon or AliExpress is a great way to cover your blog and steering wheel.
- The wheel covered in "leather" — Transform the wheel with bike handlebar tape, or go all out with a DIY leather wrap like this!
- The drink holder — Nautical plywood, a few pipes, and pipe fittings from AliExpress—and you've got a custom drink holder. You can get a pre-made one on AliExpress too!
- Multipurpose folding table — Adaptable and affordable table for your cockpit needs. It's made from marine plywood, hinges, tubes, sheet metal, and a few bucks!
In the spirit of my boat's high-tech features, I also plan to incorporate more gadgets with my lifestyle, like a waterproof bow camera connected to my Raspberry Pi or even my home's WiFi for remote viewing.
To complete the smart home-and-garden setup, I'm considering installing solar panels on the sides, which are quiet and essential for generating power, especially during anchored or sailing trips. These panels can easily be found on Amazon or AliExpress, just like the roll of versatile double-sided velcro I'll use for cable management and securing ropes.
