Purchase Advice on 1996 Oceanis 321

[Harold18495]

I am considering purchasing a 1996 Beneteau Oceanis 321 that looks to have been well maintained. I will have a haul-out and survey done shortly.I would appreciate any thoughts on owing this model for day sailing in an inland bay in South Texas and over night stays.Please share your problems & solutions.What maintenance concerns should I consider: engine, electrolysis, sail & rigging, sail handling, in mast maintenance, pressure water system, water heater, bottom blisters, gel coat concerns, keel attachment & condition, deck and port hole leaks, ease of handling by one or two people, etc.Thank you, Harold

 

[Harold18495]

I am considering purchasing a 1996 Beneteau Oceanis 321 that looks to have been well maintained. I will have a haul-out and survey done shortly.I would appreciate any thoughts on owing this model for day sailing in an inland bay in South Texas and over night stays.Please share your problems & solutions.What maintenance concerns should I consider: engine, electrolysis, sail & rigging, sail handling, in mast maintenance, pressure water system, water heater, bottom blisters, gel coat concerns, keel attachment & condition, deck and port hole leaks, ease of handling by one or two people, etc.Thank you, Harold

 

[Gerald]

B321

The B321 is a pretty good boat. The biggest problem with this model is leaking fixed ports. Also check the vinyl covering on the inside walls in the berths...if you see some wrinkles then the foam backing is falling apart the vinyl will eventually fall down. You can fix it yourself but it is a real mess. To have it professionally done will cost.Other than that the boat sails well but becomes quickly overpowered with the stock 155 genoa. I know one B321 owner, who is a good sailor, that went with a 140 genoa when he replaced his stock sails due to age and liked the 140 much better, of course the alternative is to reef the genoa as the wind picks up.Galveston Bay average winds this past year for us was consistantly in the 15-20 knot range for most of our outings. Of course late august & september were lighter.THE DRAFT IS SHALLOW SO YOU WILL BE GOOD FOR YOUR OVERNIGHTERS

 

[Gerald]

B321

The B321 is a pretty good boat. The biggest problem with this model is leaking fixed ports. Also check the vinyl covering on the inside walls in the berths...if you see some wrinkles then the foam backing is falling apart the vinyl will eventually fall down. You can fix it yourself but it is a real mess. To have it professionally done will cost.Other than that the boat sails well but becomes quickly overpowered with the stock 155 genoa. I know one B321 owner, who is a good sailor, that went with a 140 genoa when he replaced his stock sails due to age and liked the 140 much better, of course the alternative is to reef the genoa as the wind picks up.Galveston Bay average winds this past year for us was consistantly in the 15-20 knot range for most of our outings. Of course late august & september were lighter.THE DRAFT IS SHALLOW SO YOU WILL BE GOOD FOR YOUR OVERNIGHTERS