Winterise Your Narrowboat

Winter is almost upon us and it is time to start thinking about winterising your narrowboat.  Over the past few winters the UK has had some very long periods of freezing temperatures.  It is vital to winterise your narrow boat to avoid costly repairs before we get a spell of frosty weather.

If you are not living on your boat ensure that your narrowboat has been well prepared for the onslaught of winter by making sure that your engine and water filled and sealed heating systems have the correct amount of antifreeze added.  Drain down your domestic hot water system, paying particular attention to instant water heaters, showers and calorifiers, by opening up your taps allowing all the water to drain away.  Fill up the diesel tank with diesel to prevent condensation contaminating your fuel.  It's a good idea to run the engine every month for an hour or so to push the oil around the engine to prevent any rusting, it also tops up the battery if run long enough. It's also a good idea to lag all water pipes. Grease the stern tube when the engine is off, if not greased the water may dribble into the engine room and over a long period can build up and cause your boat to sink.

If you live on your narrowboat just make sure that you top up the antifreeze in keel cooling and water systems and radiators.  It is also a good idea to lag your water pipes too.

Don't forget to De Winterise your boat when Spring comes or when you come to stay on the boat again!

By refilling water tanks, check for any leaks, get air out of the system and close taps and change the oil filters.

If your boat is for sale at Whilton Marina and you want us to winterise your narrowboat for you contact us on 01327 842577 or sales@whiltonmarina.co.uk (There is a charge for this service)

our blog is for information purposes only and Whilton Marina cannot accept any liability.

Useful Links

How to winterise your narrow boat- Towergate Insurance

Winterise your boat- Canal & River Trust