A man from Bremen, his boat and the new heartbeat: how a sailboat in Mallorca quietly went electric

From diesel coughs to morning‑quiet gliding: a small Mallorca project with big impact

When Thorsten Koch first saw Porto Petro, he stayed — not just in his head, but eventually for real: a holiday flat, a small boat, a Sunday ritual (see Un Bremenés, su velero y el motor silencioso: Cómo un sueño en Mallorca se volvió eléctrico). The vessel, eight metres, rooted in family, had long run on a makeshift diesel engine. In 2024/25 Thorsten decided: enough with smoke, bring electric boats to the sea. Not a big PR stunt, rather a practical choice against corrosion, starting problems and oil under the fingers.

Why the switch is more than a trend

The reasons are tangible. Those who are not on site constantly struggle with fuel residues, forgotten service intervals and the typical diesel smell after a long winter sleep. In Thorsten's case a son from Vienna also had a say, someone who believes in second‑hand and sustainability as more than a fad. So the boat wasn't sold, it was modernized: preserve the soul, renew the propulsion.

The refit was carried out by a local shipyard: Medvolt Marine, run by two brothers, organized the conversion. In a small hall at the industrial harbour the hull was polished, the interior refitted, the upholstery refreshed and the mast inspected. Three generations sometimes work on a hull there — a mix of electrics, carpentry and hands‑on care. The project took five months; a new silicone‑based antifouling coat additionally reduces the chance for algae.

Motor, range and the new feeling on the water

Below deck now hangs a Water‑World motor of about ten kilowatts. After the first test runs a range of around 35 to 40 nautical miles per charge is realistic — enough for relaxed coastal trips over a weekend. For Thorsten this means: immediate pull, significantly quieter gliding and handling that allows relaxed manoeuvring. No more swearing about starting problems, but time to watch the waves and enjoy the espresso on board without the diesel smell.

Practically this also means: fewer oil changes, no constant rust‑hunting and generally easier season preparations. Charging? Mostly shore power in the harbour or a charging plan before departure. Anyone who knows the island knows: mornings are precious. When the sea is flat and the gulls are still asleep, you notice the difference immediately.

More than pure technology: a piece of island craftsmanship

For Medvolt such conversions are life extensions. Many boats in Mallorca are not new, they have history. Those who preserve instead of replace save resources and at the same time give work to local businesses. This is not a major environmental revolution, but a noticeable contribution: less noise in small coves, fewer diesel residues in harbour separators and a local cycle of work for locksmiths, upholsterers and electricians.

A tip from the shipyard boss: Anyone planning a conversion should allow buffer time. Five months is realistic; incidents always happen — from delivery delays to unexpected wood infestation. Better to relax and start later in peace.

For Thorsten the mornings are now longer and quieter. He says on the phone with a smile that the boat is once again “his”: familiar, handy, only with a more modern heart. For Mallorca these are small steps, not the big solution, but noticeable — especially when the espresso steams, the water lies like glass and only the soft hum of the motor breaks the silence.