From the SailZoo blog

Beware! The Pier Can Be a Treacherous Place

When winter descends upon harbors, piers can become extremely slippery. Particularly in the darker months, it can be incredibly difficult to see if the pier has turned into an ice rink.

Buying a Boat - 10 Things You MUST Know

Dreaming of Buying and Owning a Boat? It’s a fantastic investment in freedom and adventure, but it’s also a time-consuming commitment that requires a fair amount of maintenance, know-how for fixing things, or deep pockets. :) We’ve created a guide to help you navigate the many choices and avoid costly mistakes. We’ll walk you through the critical areas to pay attention to and provide an overview of what can be done relatively inexpensively versus what could become a costly affair when buying a boat.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Caring for a Sprayhood for Your Boat

A sprayhood is more than just a practical piece of equipment for your boat—it’s a game-changer for comfort, protection, and style on the water. Whether you're shielding yourself from the wind, keeping the cockpit dry during rain, or enhancing your boat's look, a sprayhood is an essential investment for any boat owner. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to choose the right sprayhood, what features to prioritize, and how to care for it to ensure it lasts for years to come.

Boat preparation: Your guide to getting the boat ready

The Spring is the perfect time to prepare your boat for a new season after a long winter. Cleaning and checking your boat ensures it’s safe and ready for enjoyable trips on the water. By following this comprehensive guide, you can minimize risks and maximize your boating experience throughout the season.

Diesel bug and diesel engines: What every boat owner should know

As a boat owner, keeping your diesel engine in top condition is crucial. One of the most significant threats to diesel engines is diesel bug. This phenomenon can cause severe damage and expensive repairs if not managed correctly. In this guide, we'll explore what diesel bug is, how to spot it, and the steps you can take to prevent and treat it effectively.

Guide to certificates and tests for recreational sailors

Not sure what certificates you need to sail various recreational vessels? You're not alone. The rules for tests and certificates for recreational sailors can be complicated, but here's an overview of the main changes and the different certificates available. As a recreational sailor, you have many opportunities to improve your competencies and skills - even if it's not necessarily a requirement.

Epoxy vs. Polyester: Which material is best for your boat?

Doing DIY repairs on your boat? Then read on as we take a closer look at the pros and cons of epoxy vs. polyester.

Engine failure at sea: What to do when things go wrong

In this article, we provide practical advice on how to prevent engine failure and handle situations effectively if it occurs. We also outline essential preparations and maintenance tips to help you avoid problems at sea, ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

20 practical hacks for the boat owner

Ahoy dear reader! We've collected 20 little hacks for the boat owner, covering everything from checking the propeller with nylon stockings to putting nail polish on your matches. The hacks below are simple and effective, so hopefully you can spend less time hassling and more time enjoying the ride when you find yourself with an annoying little problem on board one day.

How to set up the mast on your sailboat

With the sun higher in the sky and the days getting longer, it's time to get your boat ready for the sailing season. One of the most important tasks is setting up the mast - a process that requires care and preparation. In this guide, we take you through the essential steps on how to properly prepare and set up the mast of your sailboat. Disclaimer: If you, dear reader, sail a motorboat, I admit that this article will be boring and irrelevant - sorry in advance. We'll get after it!

Boat Bottom Painting: Timing, New Rules, Environmental Impact and General Tips

With new legislation and increasing environmental awareness, the future of antifouling is taking a significant turn towards pesticide and biocide-free. In this post, we will explore how Alpina Marine and Jakob Jensen Boatyard are navigating these changes and why pesticide-free bottom paints are not just a trend but a necessity for both our boats and our marine environment. We also take a look at when it's best to bottom paint your boat - an eternal topic of debate in any harbor that we'd like to kill :) - as well as how to navigate the new biocide-free bottom paint regulations. Plus, we share general advice from experts including an important focus on wastewater challenges when switching to new paint types.

Which life jacket should you choose?

In this article, we will explain the difference between life jackets, life jackets, flotation suits, survival suits and dry suits, so you get a better understanding of which vest best suits your needs. As well as what the law says in this area.

Should the boat go ashore or stay in the water over winter?

Fall is creeping into Denmark and many of us are weighing up the pros and cons of whether to leave the boat in the water or take it ashore for the winter. whether to leave the boat in the water or take it ashore for the winter. We've therefore taken a closer look at the pros and cons of storing your boat for the winter.

Review: CallMeCaptain - A game for sailors

We got our hands on the new game CallMeCaptain and give our personal assessment of the game. So if you're a seasoned sailor or new to the water and looking for a game with maritime content, CallMeCaptain might be for you!

9 maritime rules you MUST know

There are 38 maritime rules for boating. We'll go through the most commonly used ones that you as a beginner should know in order to know the "right of way" on the water.

Essential tools you need to bring along for your sailing trip

While many believe that all repairs can be done with WD 40 or duct tape, it's wise to carry a little more on your vacation. In fact, having the right spare parts and tools on board when you set sail for a few weeks of vacation can be a lifesaver. It's a shame if your boating vacation has to be paused (or even canceled) because you forgot the most essential tools to carry out a few emergency repairs to your sail, rig or engine.

How to sail with kids on board

Is it a good idea to take your kids on a summer vacation sailing trip? The short answer is yes, but you have to use common sense! We give our tips & tricks for sailing with small children on board.

Charts, Apps or chartplotter - What should I navigate by?

The short answer is to use common sense, but there are different considerations depending on the type of boat you have and the waters you will be sailing in.

Top 10 books on boat repair and maintenance

Are you one of those people for whom owning a boat is completely new territory, or do you just want to learn more about boat maintenance? Then read on here.

10 typical engine problems on an inboard diesel engine

Whether you're a sailboat or a powerboat, it's always nice to have a working engine. But like anything mechanical, at some point you'll experience challenges with your beast, so it's good to know some of the typical problems and how to solve them.

Windlass and anchoring

Proper boat anchoring is an important skill to master when sailing and a windlass can make the process significantly more comfortable. Especially when we're talking about heavy or larger boats. Read along as we go through a typical windlass installation and how to anchor correctly and safely.

What is a marine electrician and when do you need one?

A marine electrician is a skilled technician who specializes in installing, repairing and maintaining the electrical systems on boats and other marine vessels. Get tips on hiring the right marine electrician here.

How to measure up for a new sail and choose fabric

In this article, we take a closer look at the factors to consider when measuring for sails and choosing sailcloth.

Editor's pick: 10 YouTube channels about sailing

The popularity of sailing and cruising is thankfully on the rise in recent years and something that many dream of experiencing. Whether it's a day on the water or cruising, the freedom and adventure of sailing is something that appeals to many... And with good reason, if you ask us! :)

Boating Safety - How to stay safe before, during and after your boat trip

Boating safety - whether on a sailboat or motorboat - is essential to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. If sailing is new waters for you, then this article is a must read! There are certain precautions you should take to ensure the safety of yourself and your guests.

VHF/SRC certificate - Here's everything you need to know

A VHF radio is much more than just a radio. It is an essential piece of equipment for every sailor, allowing communication between other ships and coastal stations. In this article we have gathered a lot of knowledge about VHF radios, VHF/SRC certificates and all the questions this could raise.