New podcast episode: Avoiding mistakes during sailboat maintenance - with master boat builder Sven Walter
Leonie Meyer
· 09.05.2025
Every sailor knows it: spring arrives sooner than expected and the sailboat is finally due back on the water. However, it is often precisely then that it becomes apparent that not everything went smoothly during winterisation or that important maintenance work has simply been forgotten.
In the latest podcast episode, Sven Walter, who works at M.u.H. von der Linden, is our guest. The experienced master boat builder and application engineer knows all about typical mistakes and reveals to listeners what really matters when it comes to good preparation for the season.
Why timely maintenance makes sense
Particularly interesting: Sven Walter recommends carrying out most maintenance tasks on the sailing boat immediately after the end of the sailing season in autumn. But what exactly can be done then, and what advantages does this early approach actually have? The master boat builder shares some useful practical tips.
Another topic in the series is the right antifouling. Special environmental regulations apply, which stipulate a biocide-free antifouling, for example. Sven Walter and Timm Kruse talk about the right choice and procedure for applying it to the hull in order to avoid damage and subsequent costs.
Electric instead of diesel: trends of the future
The episode also looks at current technical trends. The application engineer explains why electric motors are currently in vogue - not only for the sake of the environment, but also in terms of maintenance, service and reliability. But is a conversion really worthwhile? The expert will tell you.
Sailing boats in particular only run for a few hours a year with the engine running - nevertheless, Sven Walter strongly advises an annual impeller and oil change. It is just as important to check the diesel quality carefully to prevent a so-called diesel plague. Which technology should really be checked? What about tank cleaning? The boat builder also has answers to these questions.
Proper care of ropes, fittings and winches
The maintenance and care of typical equipment such as ropes, blocks or winches should also not be neglected. However, many sailors do this. But with a few simple steps and the right cleaning agents and lubricants, you can significantly extend the service life and increase safety on board. Today's guest explains what you should not do without.
You can listen to the YACHT podcast with Sven Walter here
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This episode is presented by Von der Linden.
Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
