DIY Ideas and Tweaks on Oceanis 321 Boat Tour: Creative Inspiration Aplenty
Hey there sailors!
Today we're hopping aboard my sweet Beneteau Oceanis 321, a boat with a whopping three spacious cabins for such a petite 32-footer. At nearly 10 meters in length, she's a real space bloater!
As you've probably noticed in my other posts and videos, I'm all about DIY innovations on my boat. So, let's dive into the main ones I have hidden up my sailor sleeve. Aviso, el video está aquí:
First stop, the dock:
Pool noodle defense systemThrifty fenders all around, using your basic, floor-filling Chinese pool noodles. Why go broke? The jumbo noodles from the Chinese market are the comfiest bet and can even be filled with polypropylene foam for extra protection.
Detour ropeA strategically placed line to steer the bow towards the main defense, major points for avoiding costly damage.
Bow cameraEasy to install and my go-to when sailing, this camera is placed at the bow, just above water level, for a clear view of what's going on under the sea—just make sure it's well-protected with a bit of silicone to keep it safe from the elements. It'll run you about 20 big ones on AliExpress.
Ship's serigraphyA touch of advertising never hurts, as long as it's tasteful. The vinyl I've used on my boat has held up remarkably well compared to paint, and my company covers the costs.
Ladder to climbPiece of cake to construct with some imagination and pocket change. I nailed together four pieces of wood and a few marine-grade ropes for this one.
Moving on to the bow:
Additional grounding plugKeeping that modern sailor connected, even when moored at the bow. I've got a spare ground connection plug inside the anchor well, meaning I can connect to the closest source of power whether I'm moored stern-to or bow-to.
Bow tapA beauty is only as good as her bow, right? Save yourself some cash and use a foldable garden hose tied to the bow to give the illusion of a fancy tap for that classy touch.
Anchor ropeEasy DIY upgrade to keep your windlass from working overtime at anchor. Secure a simple, inexpensive carabiner to the chain and take over when necessary.
Up the mast:
Masthead cameraCatch every nautical moment with an easy-to-install camera at the top of the mast. If you're interested, I've got some deets in this video I made on installation.
TV antennaNeed your fix of land-based entertainment while sailing the high seas? Mount an antenna on the mast and hook up a small TV at the nav station.
Wind equipmentA must-have for sailors, the wind vane on my boat is a handy gadget that helps keep the ship on course without relying on constant rudder adjustments.
Deck lightCruise in style with a stylish LED deck light like this one, a more modern and energy-efficient alternative to the traditional masthead light.
Down the sides:
Fender hooksKeep those fenders handy with some simple stainless steel hooks. They'll be right there, within arm's reach, when you need them.
VelcroVersatile stuff; use it anywhere, anchoring cables, keeping sheets in place, and securing loose items. It's cheap and effective, and I recommend stocking up on a roll for your sailing adventures.
Solar installationEmbrace the green energy movement with some solar panels on your stern. Flexible, weather-resistant panels are now affordable and can provide a significant boost in power while at anchor or under sail.
Finally, the stern:
Cover for the instruments and wheelSimple, inexpensive, and functional—these changing mats from Decathlon are perfect for covering sensitive parts of the boat like the blog and wheel.
Leather-lined wheelEver dreamed of having a fancy wheel like those you'd find on a luxury car? I found a solid, inexpensive solution by adapting a car steering wheel cover that I had lying around. With a few modifications, it's now part of my boat's identity.
Multipurpose tableThe pièce de résistance, my father crafted this ingenious table that adapts to various needs. It's made of marine-grade plywood, awesome hinges, and foldable legs, making it the perfect companion for your sailing adventures. And the best part? It won't break the bank.
That's about it! I hope these ideas inspire you to customize your boat and make it your own. Don't be afraid to share your creations and ask questions. ’Til next time, fair winds and following seas!
During my boat customization journey, I incorporated creative solutions to enhance the navigation system as well as improve its lifestyle and home-and-garden appeal. For instance, I installed a bow camera, which offers a clear view under the sea, and added a bow tap for a classy touch. Additionally, I installed solar panels on the stern to embrace green energy and set up a multipurpose table, designed by my father, to serve various needs aboard, making it a practical and stylish addition to my home-and-garden-inspired boat.
