9 tips for living on a narrowboat in winter
04 November 2025
The winter can feel even colder when living on the water; the chilly breeze and frosty mornings can take a toll if you are not prepped. If you have never experienced living on a narrowboat during the winter, or are looking for tips to stay warm in the colder months, then you have come to the right place. It's time to get your boat winter-ready!
But fear not, by following a few simple tips, you will have a magical winter on the water and reap the benefits of more peaceful waterways. We’ll go through some general tips for living on a narrowboat in winter, as well as provide some guidance on the heating options you may want to consider for the colder months.
But fear not, by following a few simple tips, you will have a magical winter on the water and reap the benefits of more peaceful waterways. We’ll go through some general tips for living on a narrowboat in winter, as well as provide some guidance on the heating options you may want to consider for the colder months.
Living on a narrowboat in winter: 9 tips
If you have never lived on your narrowboat over the winter before, then you are in for a treat. But first and foremost, make sure you plan to ensure that everything is in place for the chilly season.
1. Before the season begins, check your insulation and ventilation
Is your boat fully insulated? Are the windows airtight? The last thing you want is the lovely warm air seeping out of portholes or loose window seals, and the brisk air making its way in instead. Checking this beforehand could help you save on costs in the long run, as you might need fewer resources to heat your boat.
Its also important to check there is sufficient ventilation inside your narrowboat, as condensation can build up during the colder months and lead to mould. Also, check regularly for any small leaks, as even the tiniest dribble can cause significant damage to fixtures and decor if left over time.
Its also important to check there is sufficient ventilation inside your narrowboat, as condensation can build up during the colder months and lead to mould. Also, check regularly for any small leaks, as even the tiniest dribble can cause significant damage to fixtures and decor if left over time.
2. Look for fuel ahead of the winter season
You may find that planning ahead and stocking up on these items during the summer season can result in some good discounts. Stocking up beforehand can also mean you aren’t rushing to find the right fuel at the height of the season when you need it most.
3. Service the engine
This may not be at the forefront of your mind when you’re preparing for winter, but it's important to ensure you have a well-running engine through the colder months. The last thing you want is to break down on a cold day and have to start playing with the engine in the hope that it restarts, not forgetting that this may be your only means of recharging your batteries. Servicing the engine may also prevent any expensive costs in the future.
4. Layer up
Layering up with warm clothing and blankets is one of the easiest ways to ensure you stay warm when the weather turns. Get cosy in knitted jumpers and fluffy socks, and ensure you have plenty of blankets to cosy up under this winter.
5. Avoid breaking ice
When the weather is especially cold, the water around you may begin to freeze over. When this happens, avoid moving; instead, wait it out until the ice starts to melt again. Forcing your boat through the hard ice can cause damage to your engine and the exterior, as well as potentially those of fellow boaters, too.
6. Stay in a familiar area
Particularly in winter, it's wise to stay in environments you are familiar with to ensure your safety and security. Mooring near shops can be a real lifeline, especially if the weather conditions take a turn for the worse and you need urgent supplies; you don’t have far to travel. Alternatively, if anything were to go wrong and you’re no longer comfortable on your narrowboat, having a hotel nearby to escape to for a night is a valuable option.
7. Look after your pipes by keeping them warm
As temperatures start to drop below freezing, there is a possibility of pipes bursting, which can cause any running water to stop flowing, along with a range of other issues.
If you’re living aboard during winter, you can help prevent this from happening by opening cupboards that contain pipes and keeping your narrowboat at a warm temperature to allow the air to circulate. If you leave your narrowboat for an extended period, make sure you drain the water systems to ensure the water can’t freeze within the pipes.
If you’re living aboard during winter, you can help prevent this from happening by opening cupboards that contain pipes and keeping your narrowboat at a warm temperature to allow the air to circulate. If you leave your narrowboat for an extended period, make sure you drain the water systems to ensure the water can’t freeze within the pipes.
8. Lubricate terminals and connectors
Use a silicone-free lubricant to grease the terminals and electrical connectors on the engine and drive. Also apply to any linkages and gear/throttle slides. This will help prevent rusting and corrosion.
9. Regularly check all drain holes and plugs
Clear any debris, leaves and dirt from all drain holes and plugs in the lockers and cockpit; should these become blocked in heavy rain, it can lead to your narrowboat taking on too much water, which may cause corrosion.
3 ways of heating a narrowboat in winter
Living on the water, it can get a little chilly, so it's a good idea to find the best way to heat your narrowboat. Wood, gas, and coal are some of the most effective resources for this purpose. A lot of people will find that a multi-fuel stove is more than enough to get them through the winter cold.
However, most narrowboats have additional heating systems that operate in conjunction with the stove. The additional heating systems usually include radiators, often with an attached water heater. Another thing to consider is ensuring you have sufficient storage space to hold enough fuel for your multi-fuel stove.
When it comes to heating your narrowboat, there are three options to consider:
However, most narrowboats have additional heating systems that operate in conjunction with the stove. The additional heating systems usually include radiators, often with an attached water heater. Another thing to consider is ensuring you have sufficient storage space to hold enough fuel for your multi-fuel stove.
When it comes to heating your narrowboat, there are three options to consider:
- Multi-fuel stoves - these are available at a variety of prices. Multi-fuel stoves are easy to install and use, making them a popular choice. The multi-fuel stove operates through dry heat, utilising wood or coal. It is always advisable to hire a professional tradesperson for these tasks to avoid additional costs if something were to go wrong. Additionally, improper installation can be hazardous, so it's best to hire a professional. Finally, always check the flue is clear of any obstructions before lighting, as these can be popular places for bird nests!
- Diesel-fired central heating - simple to use and works with a timer, a diesel-fired central heater works the same as a boiler in a house; however, with the steep rise in the price of fuel, this may be a more expensive way of heating your vessel, so bear this in mind when considering the options. However, fuel can be drawn from the main boat tank, often saving space.
- Gas central heating - similar to diesel-fired central heating, gas central heating is a method for heating your radiators and providing hot water. Gas cylinders require specified and approved storage facilities (typically on deck) and should never be stored below deck. A Gas Safe-registered engineer must complete all installations.
Don't forget, points two and three must have a yearly service by a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
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