At first glance the idea of installing a wood-burning/multifuel stove on a canal boat/narrowboat may seem bizarre. Where is the space? Is it safe? Well, this type of location has been extremely popular amongst stove enthusiasts for many years. We will now take a look at some of the main matters to consider when looking at a wood-burning/multifuel stove for your narrowboat.
British standards for narrowboat stove installations
It will be no surprise to learn that historically, prior to the introduction of specific regulations for narrowboats, there were a number of fatalities amongst those using wood-burning/multifuel stoves on canal boats. There are obviously many issues to consider such as air circulation, carbon monoxide poisoning and the array of dangers associated with fire. Thankfully these standards are now appreciated by the vast majority of canal boat owners and those who install stoves in these unique locations.
Best practice when using a stove on narrowboats
The Solid Fuel Technology Institute introduced an array of best practice advice when looking to install solid fuel stoves on narrowboats. While some of the advice may be fairly straightforward and obvious, others may not be so.
Quality products
Whether looking at the stove or the chimney, which will take away the fumes from the fire, you do need to have a quality product. It is also imperative that you install a carbon monoxide meter to ensure that any leakage of gas will be recognised as soon as possible. As in any industry, you get what you pay for with regards to wood-burning/multifuel stoves and especially so when looking at canal boats.
Installed by qualified personnel
Installing a wood-burning/multifuel stove on a canal boat is just the same as installing one in a home when it comes to qualified personnel. The installation process may seem fairly straightforward but the slightest crack, gaps in the piping or other relatively minor issues could result in the escape of potentially poisonous gases. Do not take any chances!
Low heat output stoves
It goes without saying that you need to appreciate the often confined conditions associated with a narrowboat. As a consequence, there is no point whatsoever in installing a large stove which would make your home feel like a sauna! When looking at potential stoves to install in narrowboats it is worth speaking with the retailer at the earliest opportunity.
All items should be firmly fixed in place
A choppy wave or sharp movement can often bring an array of items crashing down in the confined spaces of a narrowboat. It is therefore imperative that all stove equipment is firmly secured to the boat and even something as simple as a latch on the door must be extremely strong. Can you imagine the potential problems if the stove door opened and burning embers/coals came falling out? This is an obvious issue which is more relevant for canal boats and similar vessels but it is extremely important to recognise the potential dangers.
Different fuel
The general recommendation is to use seasoned/very dry wood or smokeless fuels as opposed to bituminous coal which can create potentially dangerous fumes in confined spaces. Again, choose the right fuel for your canal boat stove will not only ensure your safety but also maximise efficiency. The two can live side-by-side.
Maintaining equipment
It obviously goes without saying that you should regularly maintain your stove and flue pipe but perhaps even more so in the confined space of a narrowboat. A simple blockage or a buildup of ash could cause significant problems with regards to potential fumes escaping into the living area. Again, this is common sense but it is certainly worth mentioning.
Fireproof panels
The use of fireproof panels is obviously very important when it comes to narrowboat wood-burning/multifuel stoves and it is advisable to take advice as soon as possible. There are ways and means of mitigating the dangers created by fire in the vicinity of wood and they should be respected.
Door seals, windows and liners
It goes without saying that door seals, windows and liners should be well maintained both on the vessel and more importantly in and around the stove. This helps to control airflow which is obvious a major element of the fuel burning process.
Summary
There is an array of other issues to take into consideration but the above points are seen by many as the most important. There are specific dangers when installing wood-burning/multifuel stoves in narrowboats above and beyond those experienced in traditional home installations. Make sure you are aware of these and appreciate the potential risks!