Heating a boat or narrowboat is all about balance — you want reliable warmth without taking up precious space. Whether you're cruising the canals year-round or moored up for winter, the right firewood makes all the difference.
Let’s explore the best fuels for boat life, and why they’re designed to keep you warm without compromising comfort or storage.
Why firewood choice matters on a boat
On land, you can store stacks of logs in sheds or log stores. On a boat? Not so much. Boat-dwellers need:
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Efficient, long-burning fuel
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Clean combustion for low soot and smoke
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Compact, tidy packaging
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Low moisture content to avoid damp, mould and poor ignition
That’s why choosing the right firewood — or briquettes — is essential when living aboard.
Our top firewood choices for boat life
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Briquettes
These are a firm favourite with narrowboaters. They’re compact, lightweight, and pack a serious punch when it comes to heat. Each briquette burns long and evenly, with little ash and no mess. They're ideal for small stoves with limited capacity and provide excellent value per kilo. -
Kiln Dried Birch Logs
If you love the aesthetic and crackle of real logs, birch is your best friend. It lights quickly and gives off a beautiful flame — perfect for those cosy nights aboard. Birch works well for open stoves or when you want quick heat without waiting for a fire to build. -
Kiln Dried Ash Logs
Ash offers a great middle ground — clean burning, consistent heat, and not too heavy or dense for small burners. It’s perfect for everyday use in smaller wood stoves and doesn’t leave much residue. -
Kiln Dried Oak Logs
Oak burns the longest, but it needs good airflow and a hot firebed to get going properly. If your stove can handle it, a couple of oak logs at night can give steady overnight warmth — especially when paired with briquettes.
Why our packaging is ideal for boats
Every box we sell is designed for easy storage on board. Our cardboard boxes measure 41cm x 26cm x 21cm and stack neatly under benches, in lockers, or beside stoves. They’re recyclable, breathable, and sealed with paper tape — so they’re tidy, clean and even burnable once empty.
No loose bags or messy nets — just order, store and burn.
Pair with kindling and fire starters
Boat stoves are small, and space is tight — so the fire needs to light quickly and cleanly. We recommend pairing your fuel with our natural fire starters and kiln dried kindling. These get your stove roaring without any chemical smells or wasted time.
Final thoughts
Living afloat doesn’t mean compromising on warmth. With the right firewood — whether it’s compact briquettes, quick-light birch, or reliable ash — you can keep your cabin toasty, tidy and smoke-free.
Explore our boat-friendly fuels and enjoy big warmth in small spaces.