A Bremen Resident, His Sailboat, and the Quiet Engine: How a Dream on Mallorca Became Electric

From the old diesel stopgap to the everyday electric voyage

When Thorsten Koch from Bremen first came to Porto Petro a few years ago, the island wouldn't let him go. The boat in question is about eight meters long and had long belonged to the family of his Mallorca holiday home near Llucmajor. In 2024/25 he decided to give the second boat a new heart: an electric propulsion system.

Why electric? Practical and personal

The reasons weren't ideological sermons, but everyday life: If you're not on site all the time, diesel engines cause more trouble — rust, recurring service, fuel residues, these stories. On top of that back home in Vienna there was a somewhat persnickety son who loves second-hand and sees sustainability not only as a word. Result: farewell to the smoking backup engine.

The work was taken over by a local shipyard: Medvolt Marine, run by two brothers, coordinated the conversion. In their workshop — in the middle of the island, near a small industrial harbor — the hull was polished, the interior refurbished, furniture refreshed and the mast checked. The project lasted five months, including a new silicone-based antifouling layer that makes algae less likely to stick.

The new motor and the feeling on the water

Under deck now operates a Water-World motor with around ten kilowatts. That means: according to the manufacturer and after initial test runs, about 35 to 40 nautical miles of range per battery charge — enough for relaxed coastal excursions on a weekend. Thorsten describes the result as: "The boat pulls up immediately, is noticeably quieter and much easier to handle."

What struck me when I called him last week: He sounds relieved. No more swearing about startup problems or forgotten maintenance appointments. Instead: a smooth glide, a bit more time to watch the waves, and less oil on the fingers.

More than just technology

Medvolt sees such projects as a life extension for older boats. They combine electrical work, carpentry, upholstery and sometimes simply a bit of handcrafted love — three generations often work on a ship there. Thorsten wanted to preserve his boat, not replace it. For many recreational sailors, that is an argument: the soul of the old boat remains, only the propulsion becomes more modern.

A small tip on the side: If you take on such a conversion, allow for a buffer. Five months is realistic, even if not exactly short — but the calm afterwards is worth it.

For Thorsten it's now: quiet outings at sunrise, no more diesel odors and less stress as the season approaches. And for the island: a bit less noise and environmental impact. Not dramatic, but noticeable — especially on beautiful mornings when the espresso steams and the sea lies as smooth as glass.