Customizable Cruise Aboard Oceanis 321: Innovative DIY Enhancements and Attention-to-Detail Touches
Hey there sailors,
Let's take a tour of the exterior of my boat, a Beneteau Oceanis model from 1997. This beauty boasts three roomy cabins, quite the feat for a 32-footer with a length of 9.95 meters, a beam of approximately 3.5 meters, and a draft of 1.30 meters.
Due to my creative streak, this boat is loaded with inventions, which I'll list the main ones after showing you the video. And because a picture is worth a thousand words... Here's the video.
Ready to check out the innovative features I've added to this vessel? Let's get started!
At the dock:
Defenses based on pool noodles - To protect my boat from common dock scuffs, I use heavy-duty Chinese pool noodles. Filled with polypropylene foam, these jumbo noodles are not just cheap, but also sturdy and effective.
Detour rope - I've strategically placed a rope to gently steer the bow towards my primary defense.
Bow camera - To capture the sailing action unobstructed, I've installed a budget-friendly camera with a water level view. You can buy a similar one on AliExpress for around 20 euros.
The serigraphy of the ship - My boat's name matches that of the company I work for, and I've screen-printed it on the hull with a bit of advertising. This company pays my rent, and the vinyl clings to water remarkably better than paint.
Ladder to climb - As a last invention, I created a ladder to make boarding the boat more comfortable. It consists of four wooden blocks, some crafty design, and money saved.
The bow:
Additional grounding plug - Inside the anchor well, I've added a grounding plug replica, which enables me to connect to electrical outlets both at the bow and stern without the hassle of running cables through the deck.
Bow tap - To add some style to my humble vessel, I've installed a folding hose, similar to the ones you find on Amazon or AliExpress. Not only does it look good, but it also allows me to access water when anchored, without the need to turn on the fresh water pump.
Anchor rope - To protect the windlass while anchored, I use a carabiner-attached rope, available on AliExpress, to work against the cleats.
The mast:
Masthead camera - Take a look at the famous masthead camera, which we've covered in one of our episodes on how to install it.
TV antenna - The boat is equipped with a wind equipment that came with the boat, featuring an additional mechanical wind vane and a deck light that has been upgraded to a spotlight, perfect for illuminating the deck at night.
Folding steps - To make maintenance work easier, I've installed folding steps near the masthead, which I've purchased on Amazon or AliExpress.
Sides:
Hooks for fenders - I use hooks on the candlesticks to keep the fenders stored and out of the way. You can find these on AliExpress for a reasonable price.
Velcro - Velcro is a versatile invention with endless uses, such as securing cables or ropes. I'd recommend investing in a double-sided velcro roll, available on AliExpress or Amazon.
Solar installation - To harness the power of the sun, I've installed solar panels on the stern. Whether you have a stern bow or not, flexible solar panels like those on Amazon or AliExpress can be mounted anywhere to provide silent, renewable energy.
The stern:
Covers for instruments and wheel - I've covered the instruments and wheel with cyclist handlebar tape, which not only looks good but also provides a non-slip surface.
The wheel covered in "leather" - To make my wheel more durable and aesthetically pleasing, I've covered it with a leather-like material. It's an inexpensive, DIY upgrade, perfect for adding a touch of class to your boat.
The drink holder - To keep my drinks within arm's reach while sailing, I designed and installed a drink holder made from marine plywood, like those available on AliExpress.
The multipurpose folding table - My favorite invention on the boat is its multipurpose folding table, which my father built and adapted to my needs. It's made of marine plywood, stainless steel hinges, aluminum and stainless steel tubes, and a metal sheet, all sourced from AliExpress.
With these inventions in mind, I hope they serve as inspiration for you to customize your boat or even create your own unique solutions. As always, please feel free to share your ideas with us and the sailing community!
- After exploring the innovative features of this sailor's boat, considering the integration of such inventions within a home-and-garden context, one might envision a lifestyle that seamlessly merges technology with everyday domestic items.
- For enthusiasts of modern living and home-and-garden design, the creative navigation solutions shown in the video serve as a testament to how technology can be repurposed to enhance not only boat life but also navigation within the lifestyle domain.
