Living or travelling by narrowboat brings adventure, simplicity, and a deep connection to the natural world. But when temperatures drop, staying warm becomes essential — and your stove, fuel and setup all need to work hard in a small space.
Here’s how to heat your narrowboat effectively with the right mix of wood fuels and stove tips.
Choosing your stove: size and type matters
Most narrowboats are fitted with small wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves. They’re compact, efficient, and perfect for keeping cabins warm. But their size means you need to be selective with what you burn. Large, irregular logs can be awkward, while damp or smoky fuels can cause condensation or mess.
Multifuel stoves give flexibility — you can burn both wood and compressed fuels like briquettes. Dedicated log burners often offer a cleaner, more atmospheric fire. Whichever you have, good fuel makes all the difference.
Briquettes: the smart fuel for narrowboats
Wood briquettes are a favourite among boaters for good reason. They take up less space, burn longer, and give off intense heat with very little smoke. They’re perfect for small stoves and small storage areas — a single box of briquettes goes further than many expect.
Because they’re made from compressed sawdust, they also leave behind minimal ash, making cleanup easier when space is limited.
Logs: great for ambiance and heat control
Kiln dried logs like birch, ash or oak can be a great option too. Birch burns hot and fast — ideal for a quick blast of warmth. Ash gives a steady heat with a moderate burn, while oak burns longest and leaves glowing embers for sustained warmth.
Smaller log sizes are key for boat stoves. All of The Logsmith’s logs are cut to a consistent length and dried to under 15% moisture, making them safe and efficient to burn in compact spaces.
Kindling and fire starters: make lighting simple
Lighting a fire on a damp morning or after cruising all day shouldn’t be a hassle. Keep natural firelighters and kiln dried kindling on board to make the process quick and clean. No chemicals, no smoke — just simple ignition every time.
Storage tips: think stackable and dry
Space is tight, so stackable boxes are your best friend. Our boxes of logs and briquettes are compact (41cm x 26cm x 21cm) and easy to store under benches, in lockers or even beside the stove. Always keep fuel off the floor and away from damp. A small tarp or waterproof crate works well if storing on deck.
Safety and ventilation
Even on the coldest days, ventilation is crucial. Make sure your flue is clear and your carbon monoxide detector is working. A good stove burns clean when the air is right and the fuel is dry — that’s why we only supply Ready to Burn certified wood and briquettes.
Final thoughts
Heating your narrowboat is about balancing space, performance, and simplicity. Briquettes and kiln dried logs make it easy to stay warm without the mess — and with the right setup, your stove becomes the heart of your boat life.
Explore our fuel range designed for narrowboats — and stay warm all year, wherever you’re moored.