With the cruising season well and truly over now is the time for many canal boat enthusiasts to start to think about winterising their vessel. If you don’t live aboard your boat all year round there are some useful tips to help you weatherproof your canal boat and endure the colder months on the inland waterways.
By following these steps, you can safeguard your investment and avoid potential damage caused by freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy your narrowboat in Winter months.
1. Drain and flush the water system
Disconnect the water pumps and run them dry, tanks and pipes should have all traces of water removed from them to prevent freezing.
After draining the system, it’s important to flush out any remaining sediment or debris that may have accumulated in the pipes. Leave taps and other valves like showers in the open position.
Regular maintenance of your boat’s water system is key in ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. By taking these steps each winter season or before extended periods of cold weather, you can safeguard against frozen pipes and potential damage caused by ice expansion.
2. Protecting the exterior and interior of your narrowboat in Winter
Checking the seals of windows and doors is another vital aspect of protecting both the exterior and interior of your boat. Properly sealed windows and doors can prevent water infiltration during heavy rains. Using weatherstripping or sealants around windows and doors can effectively keep water out while maintaining a comfortable environment inside your boat.
Ice breaking from other craft on the waterways can cause damage to stationary boats’ hulls, such as scratching the paintwork or the blacking. To combat this you can attach planks of wood to ropes and run them alongside the hull as an additional layer of protection.
Make sure interiors are well-ventilated, the last thing you want to come back to once the weather picks up is a damp, mouldy interior. If you’re going to be away from your boat for a significant length of time consider removing things like soft furnishings to a warm dry environment for the duration of winter.
Also, be aware of any valuable possessions left aboard. Even if the mooring you’re at is secure, and well-frequented by other boat enthusiasts, removing valuables from the vessel is advisable. Be sure to check your insurance and security measures like locks if you are going to be gone for any length of time.
3. Narrowboat in Winter – engine and essential maintenance
To safeguard your engine, perform an oil change and adhere to the manufacturer’s servicing guidelines before leaving your canal boat for any extended period. This ensures clean filters, the removal of water, and the elimination of corrosive elements that accumulate within the engine.
For engines equipped with sealed water systems, assess the engine antifreeze’s strength. If it falls below 50 percent, either top it up or discard it. This measure not only prevents freezing but also inhibits corrosion by blocking air access to internal components.
In the absence of a drain plug, disconnect a hose to drain the water from the system, leaving it disconnected. This helps reduce the risk of waterpipe ruptures in freezing conditions by allowing expansion without completely emptying the system. Insulating accessible tight bends is advisable, as residual fluid may accumulate even after draining. Upon readiness to resume cruising, reconnect pipes, refill the system, and open the seacock.
Mark engine controls if the seacock is closed or the engine is winterised, to prevent accidental operation.
To stop air movement and prevent corrosion in the valve gear, insert an oily rag in the exhaust outlet and cover the air inlet to the engine. For extra protection thoroughly spray the engine with WD-40, with a focus on electrical components and wiring. This safeguards against dampness and ensures reliable connections when spring arrives.
Verify that the electrolyte level is accurate, and confirm that battery terminals remain corrosion-free. Ensure batteries are fully charged and preferably left on a float charge using a dedicated marine battery charger. If this option is unavailable, monitor their charge monthly and replenish as needed.
If generators are not being used, store them in a gas-tight locker. Be advised the same regulations apply to these as Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG).
4. Visit the vessel frequently to check-up
Regular visits can help stop smaller problems from becoming big ones. Be sure to run the engine for around 30 minutes so it has the opportunity to warm up correctly. Doing this for less time will cause acidic condensation to build up. Be sure to pump out rainwater, and remove debris from drains and bilge pumps, whilst you are there.
Be sure to check mooring lines and fixings as well. Leaving canal boats for long periods unattended and without inspection is highly inadvisable.
Looking to build your own bespoke canal boat?
Collingwood is the largest canal boat builder in the UK. Based in Liverpool, a city steeped in rich maritime tradition, we offer everything from complete builds and fit-outs to our popular sailaway range giving you the option to ensign your own interiors.
We can also offer further expertise to help you understand how to manage your narrowboat in winter months!
