Reliable boat heating and robust boat plumbing turn a hull into a home. Whether you’re wintering on a canal or cruising the coast, the right mix of appliances, fuels, and safe installation makes all the difference.
Heat Sources Afloat: Weighing Your Options
Diesel air heaters are compact and efficient. A quality boat diesel heater from webasto or eberspacher delivers quick, dry warmth through ducting, ideal for damp-weather cruising.
Diesel-fired stoves combine flame ambience with steady output. Traditionalists appreciate diesel boat stoves and a boat diesel stove for low-maintenance, clean fuel handling compared to solid fuel.
Solid-fuel stoves bring classic character. Popular models like the Morso Squirrel and the compact Salamander Hobbit lead the pack in boat stoves, especially on canals where narrowboat stoves and a traditional narrowboat woodburning stove are part of the lifestyle.
LPG heating suits occasional use and mixed-fuel setups. A well-installed boat LPG heater can supplement other systems or serve small interiors effectively.
To stretch every BTU, consider hydronic loops. A stove with a boat backboiler can feed radiators and a calorifier, supporting your boat water heater for long showers and warm cabins. Diesel boilers can drive the same loop, offering silent, even heat and domestic hot water when moored or underway.
Gas, Appliances, and Safety
Cooking afloat is best handled by a compliant boat cooker with flame-failure devices and proper ventilation. Safe marine LPG gas installation is non-negotiable—engage a certified marine gas engineer or boat gas engineer to spec, test, and document your system, including lockers, drains, regulators, and shut-offs.
Plumbing and Professional Support
From calorifiers to pressure pumps, a knowledgeable marine plumber or boat plumber can prevent headaches and leaks before they start. Look for comprehensive narrowboat services that bundle heating, gas, and water work under one roof for cohesive system performance.
Maintenance Checklist: Stay Warm and Safe
Service diesel heaters (burner, glow pin, filters) annually; log hours for webasto/eberspacher units.
Sweep and inspect flues on solid-fuel boat stoves; check rope seals and baffle plates on Morso Squirrel/Salamander Hobbit.
Pressure-test LPG lines; have a marine gas engineer verify locker drains, regulators, and hose dates.
Bleed radiators, test circulation pumps, and verify expansion tank levels on hydronic loops fed by a boat backboiler or diesel boiler.
Test CO and smoke alarms monthly; keep dry powder and fire blanket near the boat cooker.
Winterize boat plumbing with antifreeze or thorough draining; protect the boat water heater and pumps from frost.
Quick Selection Guide
Liveaboard on a canal: a solid-fuel narrowboat stoves setup plus hydronic loop, or a diesel boiler for set-and-forget comfort.
Weekend cruiser: compact boat LPG heater or small boat diesel heater for fast warm-ups.
Off-grid explorer: diesel stove or heater paired with solar for electrics, minimizing gas reliance.
Heritage fit-out: classic narrowboat woodburning stove like the Morso Squirrel for aesthetic and radiant heat.
FAQs
How do I size a diesel air heater?
Roughly 1 kW per 10–12 ft of cabin is a starting point, but insulation, glazing, and ventilation matter. Reputable marine heating systems suppliers can refine calculations for webasto or eberspacher units.
Can a solid-fuel stove heat water and radiators?
Yes—fit a boat backboiler and plumb a small pumped circuit to a calorifier and rads. Include a heat-leak radiator and proper venting for safety.
What are the advantages of diesel vs LPG for space heat?
Diesel offers clean storage, long runtime, and easy refueling; LPG systems need stringent locker and ventilation standards but can be compact and cost-effective for light use.
Who should work on my gas system aboard?
A qualified marine gas engineer or boat gas engineer familiar with marine codes must commission, test, and certify marine LPG gas installation.
Which solid-fuel stove suits a small cabin?
The Salamander Hobbit fits tight spaces; the Morso Squirrel suits medium cabins with options for oven plates and backboilers.
Dial in your heating, hot water, and cooking thoughtfully, and your floating home will feel warm, dry, and dependable all season long.
