Customized Boat Tour Aboard Oceanis 321: Creative Design Suggestions and PracticalDIY Inspiration
Hey there, shipmates!
Prepare to feast your eyes on a tour of my gorgeous boat – a 1997 Beneteau Oceanis 321, baby! Not only has she got three spacious cabins (luxury quarters for her size), but she's also got a generous 9.95 meters in length, nearly 3.5 meters in beam, and with a shallow 1.3-meter draft. She's full of clever gadgets and goodies, so sit tight and let's dive right in!
First off, let's check out her digs at the dock. I've taken the easy and affordable route, using jumbo-sized Chinese pool noodles as dock fenders. These extra-thick noodles provide a comfy cushion for when we're parked. To prevent our bow from getting jostled around, I've put a strategically placed line in place to gently guide us into position.
While we're docked, I use an affordable bow camera (available on Aliexpress for just 20 euros) to keep tabs on the water passage. Just remember to protect it with a little silicone to keep it secure!
As you might have noticed if you checked out my previous videos, my boat's name matches the one on the company I work for, so I've got a snazzy screen-printed name on her, which gives her a professional and distinctive look. The vinyl sticker holds up remarkably well against the elements, better than paint ever could!
If you're wondering how I get on board, I built a simple ladder using four blocks of wood, a few euros, and some imagination! It's the perfect solution for boarding comfortably.
Once we're on deck, let's talk about the bow. If you're anchored, you can attach a carabiner to a link in the chain using an easy-to-get anchor rope (from Amazon or Aliexpress), which allows you to work against the cleats without the windlass.
We've also got a couple of gizmos up near the mast, including a neat mechanical wind vane and a handy spotlight to illuminate at night. I've installed folding steps nearby to help with ease of climbing and covering maintenance tasks.
On the sides, I've rigged some stainless steel hooks to hold fenders, and they're a steal on Aliexpress! I've also become a huge fan of velcro, especially since it's super versatile for all kinds of uses around the boat. You can pick some up on Amazon or Aliexpress.
Now, let's head to the stern and have a gander at a few of my favorite mods. I've got clever covers for instruments and the wheel that I bought from Decathlon, and I've given the wheel a sleek leather makeover with inexpensive covers from Aliexpress. I've also built a handy drink holder from nautical plywood, which slides in place with a clever pipe fastener from Aliexpress.
Last but not least, I've built a multipurpose folding table with the help of my dad, and we've adapted the design to fit my boat perfectly. It's a marvel to behold, especially when compared to store-bought tables that can cost a pretty penny!
Hopefully, these ideas will spark some creative modifications for your own boat. Share your inventions and let us know how they turn out!
In the midst of exploring my boat's features, I've installed a budget-friendly bow camera for navigational purposes, available on Aliexpress, to keep an eye on the water passage. Additionally, in my home-and-garden inspired style, I've created a lifestyle upgrade by building a sturdy and affordable ladder for effortless boarding, using basic materials and cleverly designed components from various online marketplaces like Aliexpress and Amazon.
