A distinctive and quaint method to live on Britain’s canal system is on a narrowboat. Their comfortable accommodation and leisurely travel speed provide a perfect haven from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Many narrowboat owners enjoy heating their vessels with wood-burning stoves and embrace the traditional way of life on the canals. However, can a solid fuel stove be installed on a narrowboat? And if so, what things need to be kept in mind? Everything you need to know about installing a wood burner on a narrow boat will be covered below.
What regulations apply to narrowboats using solid fuel stoves?
Firstly, find out if using a solid-fuel stove is permitted on your river. Solid fuel stoves are allowed for boats on Canal & River Trust-managed canals and rivers as long as they comply with certain regulations. The basic guidelines are:
- The stove needs to be installed far away from anything that can catch fire. Interior walls, flooring, ceilings, and furniture are all included in this. See the guidebook provided by the manufacturer for precise distances.
- Enough ventilation needs to be present around the stove. The majority of stoves need a steady supply of oxygen to operate safely.
- Where the stove flue goes through the steel roof of the boat, insulation is required. By doing this, the paint or enamel coating is kept from melting by the hot flue.
- It is necessary to provide the stove and flue proper upkeep and cleaning. Ash and soot from solid fuel stoves must be regularly removed.
- Your stove installation should fulfil Canal & River Trust regulations as long as it satisfies these parameters. However, you should always confirm with the local waterways authority.
Which stove size and model works best on a narrowboat?
The primary considerations while choosing a stove for your narrowboat are its size, output, and efficiency.
- Size – The footprint must be small enough to fit inside the interior of your boat.
- Output – The size of the area you wish to heat should correspond to the power rating (kW). It is wasteful to have too much heat output in a tiny space.
- Efficiency – A significant portion of fuel is converted into useable heat by modern stoves. Seek for models with a minimum efficiency of 65%.
The most common size of narrowboat stoves are 4kW and 8kW. Stoves with top loading capacity occupy less floor space. Back boiler stoves can heat radiators in addition to producing hot water. Choose a smoke-exempt model (certified by Defra) that burns cleanly so it can be used in smoke-controlled areas.
Where is the best place to put a stove on a narrowboat?
It is important to consider the location, particularly for smaller boats. The stove requires a through-deck flue position that is appropriate, a sufficient air supply and safe clearances from combustibles.
Stoves in the main living area are preferred by the majority of boaters. Placing it facing the bow facilitates the transfer of heat throughout the boat. Moving closer to the stern runs the danger of making the back cabin too hot.
Verify that there is enough space both above and around the stove. Permit entry to maintain the flue and clean the stove’s inside.
Avoid placing soft goods or furniture too close to one another as radiant heat might harm them. Use a stove pipe protection and choose a location that is more in the middle.
What are the flue installation considerations?
Requirements for the flue are essential for safe stove operation. The chimney path needs to:
- Sustain the proper updraught in order to eliminate smoke
- Don’t let the materials around you get too hot
- Keep exhaust away from openings and vents
The flue should ideally pass through the steel roof of the boat in the most direct vertical path. Efficiency is decreased by horizontal runs and elbow bends. Any flue portions inside of habitations should be insulated.
If the stove cannot be positioned exactly beneath a roof penetration, flue bends offer adjustable angles. Ensure that joints are correctly sealed.
Use high-temperature sealant and fire cement approved for stoves. To stop water from getting inside, the flue exit needs to have a rain cap.
How do you provide adequate ventilation for a stove on a narrowboat?
It is hazardous when there is a lack of air supply because smoke or fumes may escape. Specialised vents are needed to give combustion air to all burners.
Ventilation is not a given with openable windows. Even in modern boats that are well sealed, external air supply are necessary.
What are the benefits of installing a woodburning stove on a narrowboat?
Although installation presents certain challenges, wood burners have numerous advantages, such as:
- Staying warm & cosy – Radiant heat provides a cosier atmosphere than central heating.
- Self-sufficiency – Use wood that has been foraged as fuel instead of petrol/diesel.
- Reduced expenses – Compared to continuously operating gas or electric heaters, wood or coal are much more affordable.
- Traditional appeal – A flickering stove fire has a vintage charm that many find appealing.
- Multipurpose – Some stoves can be used for cooking as well as heating water.
- Resell value – A comfortable stove appeals to a lot of potential boat buyers.
The benefits of solid fuel stove for many boaters exceed any installation difficulties and challenges.
What possible negative effects could stove installation on a narrowboat have?
However, there are some downsides to consider, too:
- Room Reduction – Useful cabin room is taken up by the stove and hearth etc.
- Structural work – If the steel roof is cut through for a flue, there could be a risk of leakage.
- Maintenance – Regular sweeping and cleaning are necessary for stoves and flues. Ash removal is a dirty process.
- Fire risk – The risk of a fire is increased by overfilling, improper cleaning, and inadequate ventilation.
- Dust and dirt – If burned particles aren’t cleaned up promptly, they will spread swiftly.
- Seasonal – As the weather warms up, stoves become unusable and impractical.
- Requires skill – Proper wood loading and fire building skills develop via experience.
- Areas restricted – The use of a non-smoke-exempt stove is prohibited in Waterway smoke control zones.
Even though these parameters are generally manageable, onboard petrol or diesel systems still need to be adjusted.
What are the installation steps for a woodburning stove on a narrowboat?
The following are crucial steps for installing your stove safely and successfully on a narrowboat:
- Choosing the correct location & position – Think about the flue path, airflow, clearances, and space. If you are moving furniture, make sure it will fit the stove comfortably.
- Cut roof penetration – This specialist job creates the flue hole through the steel roof. Avoiding roof joists and braces is tricky.
- Installing Twin Wall Flue System – From the stove, a dual wall flue system ascends through the roof. Use a locking band, fire cement, or high-temperature silicone to seal connections.
- Installing & positioning the Hearth – The floor is shielded from hot coals by the non-combustible fireplace. Give the stove’s front a 300mm margin of clearance.
- Fit Stove – Install the stove physically, fasten it to the flue and caulk the deck collar once the clearances have been satisfied.
- Add Ventilation – For the stove, cut and install specialised air vents.
- Test & Commission – To cure the seals, progressively heat the stove. Verify the vent and draught functions of the flue.
- Use Safely – Observe all operational instructions. Give the stove some time to adjust before using it heavily.
And to conclude….
You can install a solid fuel stove on a narrowboat as long as you choose the right brand and location for it. During installation, pay special attention to the requirements for ventilation and flue. To establish safe clearances, you might need to make adjustments to your interior arrangement. Although it needs more upkeep than a gas or diesel stove, a wood-burning stove makes life more comfortable, charming and independent. Just remember to heed all safety precautions and bask in the comforting glow.
Bowland Stoves Ltd has the ideal narrowboat stove for you….
With any luck, this advice has improved your knowledge on selecting the best stove for a narrowboat installation. The small area and maritime setting increase the importance of choosing the ideal model.
The good news is that Bowland Stoves has a large selection of effective, high-quality stoves that are ideal for heating narrowboats. We have the perfect boat stove in our selection, whether you want an eco-friendly modern model that looks traditional, a quirky statement stove or an efficient new Ecodesign model.
It’s also never been easier to heat your narrowboat with free shipping to the UK mainland, hassle-free returns for 14 days, and a variety of financing options.
Solid fuel stove specialists on our staff can offer you advice on which stove is best for your boat. Get in touch with us right now for more installation details and to talk about locating your ideal narrowboat stove. Call 01706 813393, send an email to sales@bowlandstoves.com, or call into our factory showroom.