1996 Beneteau Oceanis 281

The Beneteau Oceanis 281 is a 28-foot fiberglass cruising sailboat powered by an 18 hp Perkins diesel engine. Built in 1996, this boat has been consistently maintained through regular seasonal haul-outs for bottom painting and upkeep. The current owner has held the boat since 2007 and has overseen numerous upgrades that enhance both performance and ease of operation. The design is optimized for single-handed sailing, with all lines led aft to the cockpit, allowing for reefing without leaving the helm. It features roller furling on the genoa, single-line reefing on the main, and an autopilot for extended passages.

Recent upgrades include new sails in 2022, replaced batteries in 2024, a 175-watt solar panel and charger installed in 2021, and an Ecolflow Delta Pro inverter that powers a microwave and 12-volt cooler for modern cruising conveniences. Navigation systems were upgraded to NMEA 2000 in 2017 and include a VHF radio with DSC, an AIS transponder added in 2022, and updated instruments accessible via WiFi. The rigging has been progressively renewed, including replaced halyards in 2021 and a transmission rebuild completed in 2019.

The hull was stripped to gelcoat in 2017 and has since been maintained with ablative bottom paint to prevent buildup. All portlights were replaced in 2014 with no reported leaks. The boat comes with a Kinleaven mast ladder, significant spare parts including electronic displays and transducers, and a folding propeller installed in 2014. Canvas work was completed in the owner's early years of ownership.