People don’t often think about narrowboats in winter. The evenings are getting darker, and frost is in the air. You’re taking in the ice-cold riverbed, craving that nice hot brew while observing the cold breath exiting your mouth.
We at Collingwood Boat Builders believe it’s important to highlight how to survive and thrive throughout the harsh, cold months.
Living on a Narrowboat in Winter – Risk & Reward
Narrowboats in the Winter can be a magical sight to behold, especially as snow falls. If you crave majestic scenery and a sense of adventure, Winter canal living can provide a splendid experience. Not to forget, the camaraderie of Christmas time can enhance the number of jovial experiences passersby have with one another.
However, the tribulations shouldn’t be understated. Here is some key advice we at Collingwood Boat Builders advise canal residents to ensure their safety and health throughout this period.
Staying Warm
The obvious consideration is how to stay warm throughout the frosty season. It may be surprising to hear but because narrowboats are relatively small, trapping heat quickly should never be a problem. Our narrowboat builders ensure all builds are fitted with heating systems such as multi-fuel stoves.
Please note: boaters must stock up on coal and wood allowing plenty of heat for your narrowboat during the harsh nights.
Navigating Frozen Waterways – Narrowboats in Winter
It’s not recommended to try and break through ice paths as it’s a significant contributor to many narrowboat-related problems.
Our canal boat builders will always ensure the sturdiness of the build, but we do emphasise that some icy scenarios can impact the strain on your engine, so we advise you to navigate the sharp waters with care.
Stick to Familiar Routes – Narrowboats in Winter
With the unpredictability of the weather, we advise boaters to keep to familiar waters so that if fog or ice persists, they have peace of mind to know where to moor their mobile home and where to resupply fuel and food.
Appropriate Clothing
Stockpiling various coats and jumpers is a vital step before starting your voyage. If not prepared, this will be top of the list when it comes to contemplating regrets during the journey.
Gloves should be top of the list, as your hands will always be the most exposed area of your body. With a new journey, you never know how consistently you may have to open a canal lock.
Condensation Control
Condensation can be a consistent issue inside and out. Dehumidifiers and opening windows can be ideal solutions to reduce the buildup.
The only issue with these solutions is that they don’t help keep the heat in. Again, this is why it’s crucial to check that you have the correct clothing to sustain your body temperature for the 30 minutes you need to dehumidify the windows.
Water Supplies
Freezing pipes and systems are well-known this season, meaning you must ensure you’ve stored extra water supplies for precautionary possibilities.
Contact one of our specialists if you want more information about insulating your water system or using trace heating cables.
Lifestyle Adjustments – Narrowboats in Winter
Indoor activities are highly recommended to relieve boredom when the outdoors is frosted over. Hobbies such as reading, knitting, and painting are popular amongst canal boaters. These activities will also provide you with a consistent routine, alleviating the frustration during slow-moving days.
Emergency Preparations
As listed above, you can never be too prepared for winter voyages. Backup generators should be a top priority, but also again stockpiling food, clothes, and activities to consider your physical, and mental health is highly recommended.
Capturing Christmas Perfectly – Narrowboats in Winter
Don’t forget to bring a camera! Capturing wintery moments is what the journey is all about (just remember to pack those gloves!)
Embracing Winter Magic on Your Floating Home
If all precautionary measurements are noted above, all canal boats should be equipped with the correct tools and equipment to encourage a safe adventure.
Winter canal boating is a bucket list consideration for many who desire escapism from normal day life.
Allow your peaceful floating home to cascade down the river as the snowflakes nest themselves on top of your roof, while you realise you don’t have to commute to the office or file out those invoices.
Winter has arrived.
