Winter Cruising
There are
many advantages and plenty of fun to have during the winter months on the canal
network, so if you fancy staying aboard this winter follow our top tips to
staying warm on your boat this winter.
Keep a good stock of fuel (coal, gas,
wood)
It’s very
important that you keep a good supply of fuel on board, so that if you get stuck aboard you are not
going to run out of these vital supplies.
Types Of Heating On a Narrowboat
Multi-fuel stoves are still the most popular option
and come in a variety of prices, shapes and sizes. They are easy to install and
even easier to use. Using coal or wood, a multi-fuel stove works through dry
heat and the fire will draw in much of the condensation from the boat.
Diesel-fired central heating this works the same as a domestic
boiler found in a house. Simple to use and compatible with a timer, it will heat
the radiators and provide hot water. Popular choices are Eberspächer, Webasto
or Mikuni.
Gas central heating this option will also allow you to
heat your radiators and will provide hot water, however, it is not compatible
with a timer. Gas central heating runs from your gas bottle.
*Both diesel
and gas central heating need a yearly service by a qualified engineer.
Fill Your Water Tank
Another good
idea is to fill up your tank, so there’s less chance of running out of water
and having problems refilling if the water pipes are frozen at the water points
along the canal. Also fill some additional water containers as a backup.
*Have around
30% of anti-freeze in your water and heating system
Stock Up The Larder
You never
know when bad weather might keep you from getting out, so it’s essential that
you keep your cupboards well stocked with food and drink in case the worse
happens and you are unable to get to the shops.
Check For Stoppages
Over the
Winter The Canal and River Trust use these quieter months to carry out maintenance
and repairs. By using this link you can check whereabouts work will be
taking place. In many cases they have to close the waterway and occasionally
the towpath, so it’s essential to stay in the loop of any stoppages, so that your
cruising isn’t affected.
Dress Code
Now is not
the time to be a fashion victim! Dress for the weather not your next Instagram
selfie. Having said that there is no need to look dowdy, there are plenty of stylish yet practical clothing on the market. Layers and waterproof clothing is a must to make the outside jobs more
bearable and keep you in good health.
Cruising
Take turns at
the stern with the rest of the crew; getting hypothermia isn’t going to do you
any good! When it’s your turn you will find a cup of hot chocolate in one hand
and the tiller bar in the other is a good combination.
If the canal
has frozen we advise you NOT to break the ice if it is thick (anything over
half an inch is classed as thick). Breaking the ice by trying to cruise through
it will put a great strain on your engine and it will also damage the hull
scraping away the blacking.
If the canal freezes and has two or more inches of
ice, then accept that you are going to be staying in your current location until
the ice thaws.
If you
decide you would prefer to not cruise over the winter months, and do not have
moorings, then you may wish to apply for a winter moorings permit, there are
basically three options available, find out more here
Mooring
When looking
for places to moor it’s a good idea to find somewhere near the shops or indeed
a good pub! At least this way if the bad weather kicks in you will be able to
buy provisions and be sociable.
Take extra care getting on and off your
vessel, the icy weather will make all surfaces slippery.
Finally enjoy the luxury of having your
favourite waterways to yourself this winter whilst the other boaters have gone
ashore.