Cruising along the English Waterways in your narrowboat is one of the most idyllic styles of living in the UK. Especially as the summer cruising season is over, you can have some of the most beautiful English canals all to yourself. However, just like with a house, you will need to start to consider winterising your boat and ensure you have everything you need during the colder months.
Here are some top tips from the UK’s number one canal boat manufacturer to understand how you can prepare your boat for winter.
Mooring Locations
You should avoid mooring your narrowboat in an unfamiliar area during winter, especially if it is your first winter living on board. It’s always a good idea to stay at a location where you can easily have access to buy food and items to keep you going through the colder months.
How’s The Heating?
Many people would be concerned about living in a narrowboat over winter due to a lack of heating options. However, as you are only heating a small area, you’d be surprised at how quickly the inside can warm up.
One of the most popular options for boaters is to install multi-fuel stoves, but you do have to make sure you have enough wood and coal to fuel your stoves, as you don’t want to risk running out on the colder nights.
Keeping Warm On Winter Canal Boats
Whether you are living on a boat or in a house, the warm dressing rule applies to everyone in winter. Sometimes we can underestimate how cold the weather is, which is why it’s always best to keep a few sets of warm clothing and a waterproof coat.
You also need to ensure you have a pair of slip-resistant boots, so there is less chance of slipping on or off your boat.
Stockpile Hot Beverages
There is nothing like enjoying a hot mug of cocoa or hot tea during the winter months. It’s a good way to keep your body warm as you cruise along the wintry canals.
Slow Cooker Investing
A slow cooker may not be something you think about when it comes to boating life. But they are the ideal kitchen gadget to have, as they use less electricity and can make a wide range of dishes. Why not knock out the winter blues this year with a warm bubbling casserole?
Navigating Frozen Canals
If you come across frozen parts of the canal or marina, then our advice is not to attempt to break the ice with your boat. Doing so can cause a huge strain on your engine, not to mention you will have a few unhappy boaters if parts of the ice bump into their boats. In this situation, the best thing to do is to wait for the ice to thaw.
Winter Canal Boating With Collingwood Boat Builders
At Collingwood Boat Builders, we’re always on hand to provide information around navigating the waterways in the brisk winter months. Our sturdy builds ensure safety and comfort for those looking for a magical adventure during those hopeful white winters.
Explore our range to see the canal boats that can take you on that voyage into Winter.
Call us today at 0151 433 3863 for further guidance on canal boating through the Winter months.
