Narrowboats are a unique and charming way to live on Britain's canal network. With their cosy interiors and slow pace of travel, they offer an idyllic escape from modern life. Many narrow boat owners embrace the traditional way of life on the canals and like the idea of heating their boats with a wood-burning stove. But is it possible to install a solid fuel stove on a narrowboat? And if so, what considerations should you keep in mind? In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about fitting a wood burner on a narrow boat.

What are the rules around solid fuel stoves on narrowboats?

The first thing to check is whether a solid-fuel stove is allowed on your waterway. For boats on canals and rivers managed by the Canal & River Trust, solid fuel stoves are permitted, provided they meet specific requirements. The fundamental rules are:

  • The stove must be fitted well away from combustible materials. This includes interior walls, ceilings, floors and furnishings. Consult the manufacturer’s handbook for exact distances.
  • There must be adequate ventilation around the stove. Most stoves require a constant air supply for safe operation.
  • The stove flue must be insulated where it passes through the boat's steel roof. This prevents the hot flue from melting the paint or enamel coating.
  • The stove and flue must be adequately maintained and cleaned. Solid fuel stoves produce ash and soot, which needs regular removal.
  • As long as your stove installation meets these conditions, it should satisfy Canal & River Trust requirements. Always check with your local waterways authority, though.

What size & type of stove is best for a narrowboat?

When selecting a stove, the main factors are size, output and efficiency.

  • Size - The footprint needs to be compact enough to fit in your boat's interior.
  • Efficiency - Modern stoves convert a high percentage of fuel to usable heat. Look for models with at least 65% efficiency.
  • Output - The power rating (kW) should suit the size of the space you want to heat. Too much heat output for a small cabin is wasteful.

Popular narrowboat stove sizes range from 4 kW up to 8 kW. Top-loading stoves take up minimal floor space. Stoves with back boilers can heat radiators as well as provide hot water. Opt for a Defra-approved smoke-exempt model, which burns cleanly for use in smoke control zones.

Where is the best place to locate a stove on a narrowboat?

The location needs careful thought, especially on smaller boats. The stove needs an adequate air supply, safe clearances from combustibles and a suitable through-deck flue position.

Most boaters prefer to install stoves in the main living area. Positioning it towards the bow helps heat travel throughout the boat. Locating closer to the stern risks overheating the back cabin.

Make sure there is suitable clearance above and around the stove. Allow access to clean inside the stove and maintain the flue.

Limit proximity to furniture or soft furnishings, which can be damaged by radiant heat. Opt for a more central placement and use a stove pipe shield.

What are the flue installation considerations?

Flue requirements are critical for safe stove operation. The chimney route must:

  • Maintain the correct updraught to remove smoke.
  • Avoid overheating surrounding materials.
  • Keep exhaust clear of vents or openings.

Ideally, the flue should take the most direct vertical route through the boat's steel roof. Elbow bends, and horizontal runs reduce efficiency. Insulate any flue sections inside living areas.

Flue bends allow adjustable angles if the stove can't align directly under a roof penetration. Make sure joints are properly sealed.

Use stove-rated fire cement and high-temperature sealant. The flue exit must include a rain cap to prevent water ingress.

How do you provide adequate ventilation for a stove?

Lack of air supply is dangerous and can cause fumes or smoke to escape. All stoves require dedicated vents to supply combustion air.

Openable windows do not provide guaranteed ventilation. External air supplies are needed, even in well-sealed modern boats.

What are the pros of installing a wood-burning stove?

Despite the installation considerations, wood burners bring many benefits:

  • Keeping cosy - Radiant warmth feels more comforting than central heating.
  • Self-sufficiency - Fuel yourself with foraged wood rather than relying on gas/diesel.
  • Lower costs - Wood or coal are cheaper than continuously running gas or electric heaters.
  • Traditional appeal - Many appreciate the nostalgic charm of a flickering stove fire.
  • Multi-functional - As well as heating, some stoves can be cooked on and heat water.
  • Resale value - Many prospective boaters desire a cosy stove.

For many boaters, the advantages of solid fuel heat outweigh any installation hassles.

What are the potential drawbacks of stove installation?

However, there are some downsides to consider, too:

  • Space reduction - The stove and hearth occupy usable cabin space.
  • Structural work - Cutting through the steel roof for a flue risks leaks if poorly executed.
  • Maintenance - Stoves and flues need regular sweeping and cleaning. Ash removal is messy.
  • Fire risk - Overfilling, poor cleaning and lack of ventilation heighten the fire hazard.
  • Dirt and dust - Burnt particles spread quickly without vigilant cleaning.
  • Seasonal  - Stoves become impractical once temperatures warm up.
  • Skill required - Correct wood loading and fire building technique comes with practice.
  • Restricted areas - Waterway smoke control zones prohibit use without a smoke-exempt stove.

While manageable for most, these factors still require adjustment from onboard gas or diesel systems.

What are the installation steps for a narrowboat wood stove?

The critical stages for safely and successfully installing your stove are:

1. Select location

Consider space, clearances, airflow, and flue route. Plan any furniture changes to accommodate the stove.

2. Cut roof penetration

This specialist job creates the flue hole through the steel roof. Avoiding roof joists and braces is tricky.

3. Fit twin wall flue system

A twin wall flue system runs from the stove up through the roof. Seal connections with a locking band or fire cement and high-temperature silicone.

4. Install hearth

The non-combustible hearth protects the deck from hot embers. Allow 300mm clearance at the front of the stove.

5. Fit stove

With clearances met, physically install the stove, attach it to the flue and seal the deck collar.

6. Add ventilation

Cut and install dedicated air vents for the stove.

7. Commission and test

Heat the stove gradually to cure the seals. Check the flue draught and vent function.

8. Use safely

Follow all operating guidelines. Allow the stove to acclimatise before firing intensively.

What are the top stoves for heating your narrowboat?

Choosing the right stove is crucial when fitting out a narrowboat. The small interior spaces require a stove with compact dimensions yet ample heating output. It also needs to cope with the damp conditions and potential movement of life afloat. Here, we review some of the best stove options for heating your narrowboat efficiently and safely.

Go Eco Adventurer 5 Glamping Stove

If you want more than just heating from your narrowboat stove, the Go Eco Adventurer 5 Glamping Stove with Oven is a great option. As well as pumping out up to 4.5kW of warmth and a marine hearth suitable for a narrow boat, it features a sizeable oven.

This allows you to bake fresh bread, roast meat joints or cook up anything else you fancy aboard your floating home. You can really embrace off-grid self-sufficiency with this dual-fuel stove. Just install it safely with adequate ventilation for the powerful output.

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Morso 1412 Squirrel

For a classic, high-quality narrowboat stove, the Morso 1412 Squirrel Multifuel Stove ticks all the boxes. Morso is renowned for its premium Danish engineering and craftsmanship. The modest 5kW output suits heating smaller boat interiors.

The traditional Squirrel design, with its gently curved corners and cast-iron construction, will enhance traditional-style boat interiors. It also offers fuel flexibility by burning wood and solid smokeless fuels. A long-lasting, reliable, yet compact stove from a respected brand.

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Ekol Baked Apple Pie

If you want your stove to be a focal point of your interior design scheme, look at the Ekol Baked Apple Pie Ecodesign Wood Stove. This quirky stove will undoubtedly attract attention, with nine different colour choices and a range of customisable options to make it truly your own.

Don't let its cute exterior fool you, though. Inside is a highly efficient 5kW wood-burning firebox and oven, ideally suited for heating a narrowboat and cooking up a storm. It meets stringent Ecodesign environmental regulations, too, keeping its real-world emissions low.

So, if you want a stove that stands out from the crowd and is a talking point with guests, cook up some warmth with the Baked Apple Pie.

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To sum it up:

Installing a solid fuel stove on a narrowboat is achievable, provided you select the suitable model and location for your boat. Pay close attention to flue and ventilation requirements during installation. Adapting your interior layout may be needed to provide safe clearances. While requiring more maintenance than gas or diesel, a wood-burning stove adds comfort, charm, and self-sufficiency to life afloat. Just be sure to follow all safety advice and enjoy the warming glow.

Find your perfect narrowboat stove from Direct Stoves

We hope this guide has helped give you a better understanding of choosing the right stove for a narrowboat installation. The compact space and marine environment make selecting the perfect model even more critical.

The great news is that at Direct Stoves, we offer an extensive range of high-quality, efficient stoves perfect for heating narrow boats. Whether you prefer a classic Morso, an efficient new Ecodesign model or a quirky statement stove, you will find your ideal boat stove in our collection.

Plus, with free delivery to the UK mainland, 14-day no-hassle returns, and a range of finance options, heating your narrowboat has never been easier.

Our team includes experts on solid fuel stoves who can advise you on selecting the right stove for your boat. Contact us today to discuss finding your dream narrowboat stove and for more installation information. Email [email protected], call 0161 376 4191, or visit our showrooms.