When space is limited and conditions are unpredictable, proper fuel storage becomes essential. On boats — especially narrowboats — keeping your firewood and briquettes dry, accessible and safe makes all the difference to warmth and comfort on board.
Here’s how to store wood fuel effectively while avoiding mess, moisture, and waste.
Why safe storage matters on boats
Moisture is the number one challenge when storing wood fuel on a boat. Briquettes will swell and fall apart if they absorb humidity. Logs can grow mould, rot or become impossible to light if they’re left damp for long periods. Poor storage can also create clutter, restrict movement, or even present a fire risk if wood is kept too close to hot surfaces.
Safe storage keeps your fuel dry, your boat tidy, and your stove burning efficiently.
Choose the right fuel packaging
At The Logsmith, our logs and briquettes are packed in recyclable cardboard boxes that are compact, breathable, and easy to stack. Each box measures 41cm x 26cm x 21cm — a size that fits neatly into onboard lockers, under benches or beside stoves.
No need to deal with bags or plastic nets that rip and shed dust — just simple, tidy storage.
Best practices for indoor storage
-
Keep fuel off the floor. Use crates, a raised shelf or a waterproof mat to prevent moisture transfer from floorboards or bilges.
-
Use breathable storage. Cardboard allows some airflow to prevent condensation, while still keeping fuel dry.
-
Avoid storing near the stove. While it’s tempting to keep fuel close to the burner, avoid placing boxes too near heat sources. A good rule: at least 30cm clearance from any hot surfaces.
Deck or exterior storage tips
If you store firewood or briquettes on deck:
-
Use a sealed, waterproof box — ideally plastic or treated wood with a tight-fitting lid.
-
Line the base with cardboard, old towels or a wooden pallet to lift the fuel off the floor.
-
Keep it covered — even kiln dried logs will absorb rain if left exposed.
-
Mark briquette boxes clearly so you rotate stock before any risk of damp.
Storing kindling and firelighters
Fire starters and kindling are dry and lightweight, so they store best in small lidded tubs or tins. Keep them separate from main fuel to stop them getting crushed or soggy — especially in humid winter conditions.
Keep it simple, keep it dry
The key to boat fuel storage is simplicity. Stackable boxes, dry corners and tidy systems keep things practical without compromise. With our compact packaging, you don’t need to decant or rebag anything — just slide a box into a corner and you’re sorted.
Final thoughts
Smart storage makes life on board cleaner, safer and easier. Whether you’re cruising all year or moored up for winter, properly storing your firewood and briquettes means you’ll always be ready to light a fire — whatever the weather outside.
Explore our easy-store fuel range, perfect for narrowboats, liveaboards and boaters of all kinds.