Living on a Narrowboat in Winter!
Living on a narrowboat can be a rewarding and unique experience, offering the allure of a slower pace of life, a close connection with nature, and the flexibility to change your scenery at a whim. While the idea of gently cruising along the canals in the summer sun is idyllic, the challenges of winter can quickly bring one back to reality.
Let’s look at some of these challenges continuous cruisers and year-round liveaboards face during the colder winter months of the year.
Heating and Insulation:
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- Cold Climates: UK winters can be quite cold, with temperatures frequently dropping below and sometimes staying below freezing for an extended period of time. Keeping a narrowboat warm and preventing it from turning into an icebox is essential. It can take a long time to warm a 60-ft narrowboat from a cold start to an adequate temperature.
- Solid Fuel Stoves: Many boats are equipped with solid fuel stoves. These can be efficient but require regular attention to keep the boat warm. Sourcing, storing, and hauling coal or wood can be a chore, especially in bad weather.
- Insulation: Adequate insulation is crucial. Older boats may lack sufficient insulation, leading to heat loss and condensation issues. There is a temporary film available you can put over windows to add an extra layer if your windows are not double-glazed already. You can buy them Here
Condensation and Dampness:
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- With the differences in temperature inside and outside the boat, condensation can quickly become an issue, leading to damp interiors, mould, and potential damage to belongings and even the boat itself.
- Ventilation is essential, but it can also let in cold air, so it’s a balance between reducing moisture and maintaining warmth. Do not block them up to preserve heat. You need them now more than ever as you will most likely have the fire lit which presents an increased risk of high levels of CO2. Test your CO2 monitor regularly and have 2 of them on board.
Water and Plumbing:
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- Frozen Pipes: One of the most significant challenges is preventing pipes from freezing. If you do not live aboard your narrowboat you would want to winterize your boat. If you live aboard just keeping the temperature inside your boat at a liveable temperature would be enough to stop any pipes freezing. Burst pipes can lead to extensive damage and leave you without water.
- Water Points: Canal-side water points may be fewer in number during the winter and may also be prone to freezing, making refilling water tanks a challenge. You can also get iced in so prepare for that!
Canals Freezing Over:
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- Canals can freeze in extreme cold. Moving your boat under these conditions can damage the hull. It is strongly not advised. Crt does not expect you to move when ice is present. If you need to relocate or access canal services or facilities, you might find yourself stuck.
- Additionally, towpaths can become slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Especially when hauling food or supplies long distances.
Maintenance and Repairs:
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- Winter requires more frequent checks to ensure the boat remains watertight and free from damage. Icy conditions and debris in the water can lead to increased wear and tear.
- Many marinas and boatyards operate for limited hours or close during the winter, making it harder to access repair services.
Limited Daylight:
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- Shorter days mean less daylight for travelling, making tasks like navigating locks more challenging.
- Solar panels, often used on narrowboats for electricity, are less effective due to shorter days and the low angle of the sun.
Engine and Fuel:
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- As winter approaches it is a good idea to make sure your narrowboat engine is serviced and in good working order. The last thing you want is engine problems when you might need it for power and hot water on a cold winter night.
- Keep your diesel tank full. With more condensation present diesel bug can be a real problem for boaters during the colder months on the canal. Keeping your fuel tank full leaves less room for condensation and less room for diesel bug to form.
- You can learn how to Treat Diesel Bug Here
- Many marinas and boatyards operate for limited hours or close during the winter, making it harder to access repair services.
Social Isolation:
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- While some narrowboat communities are tight-knit, many people move to marinas or winter moorings, leading to less social interaction. The sense of isolation can be intensified by cold, dark days. This can be especially true for continuous cruisers who moor alone.
Preparation and Planning:
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- Winter living requires more foresight. You’ll need to stock up on supplies, ensure you have enough fuel, and regularly check weather forecasts to avoid being caught off-guard.
Living on a narrowboat in winter presents numerous challenges that require preparation, adaptability, and resilience. While it’s not an easy lifestyle choice, many find the rewards of such a unique and close-to-nature way of life outweigh the hardships. For those who choose this path, facing and overcoming these challenges can bring a sense of accomplishment and deepen their appreciation for the simple pleasures of life on the water.
Do you live on your narrowboat all through the winter? Is this your first winter on a narrowboat? Let us know in the comments below and offer any advice you have for living on a narrowboat in the winter.