Comprehensive Boat Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical Services.
At Marine Heating Solutions, we only do things if we can do them right. We specialize in the installation, repair, and servicing of boat stoves, LPG boilers and water heaters, diesel heaters, cookers, plumbing and electrics.
Our comprehensive range of services is backed by a team of fully certified professionals. They are all dedicated to ensuring your vessel’s comfort and safety. Whether you need routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or new installations, our experts are committed to providing tailored solutions. Choose Marine Heating Solutions to ensure your vessel’s systems operate smoothly and efficiently.
Marine Heating Tailored to Your Needs
Residential vs. Leisure Usage
The way you use your boat significantly impacts the type of heating system you need. Residential boats are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the English canal system. For leisure crafts, it’s best to choose simpler heating options to avoid wasting valuable leisure time troubleshooting complex systems. Experience shows that most leisure craft owners winterize their boats between October and April, helping them avoid the harshest weather. Convenience is key for leisure boats, so we recommend diesel or LPG gas heating systems, which lessen the need for sourcing and storing solid fuels.
In contrast, residential boats require a more extensive heating setup, typically combining a diesel heater with a solid fuel boat stove to keep you warm even in frozen waterways. Additionally, reducing excess condensation is essential; proper insulation and adequate ventilation can help manage this issue. Remember to plan service intervals for boat heating appliances in continuous use, which is often the case on residential boats during winter months. Ensure that your heating system can keep you comfortable throughout the winter without any hassle.
Narrowboat Heating and Boat Stoves
Narrowboats, commonly found on UK canals and non-tidal rivers, present unique challenges for staying warm during the colder months. Their long and narrow design can make it difficult to heat the entire boat evenly, which is why many boaters traditionally rely on solid-fuel boat stoves. These stoves remain a popular choice for heating on inland waterways.
– Solid Fuel Boat Stoves
Solid fuel stoves continue to charm narrowboat enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic way to heat homes on the water. With established infrastructure for fuel supply, such as passing coal boats and nearby marinas, boaters can easily access fuel. Solid fuel boat stoves and wood burners not only create warmth but also add an element of romance to traditional narrowboats. One of the joys of winter boating is the idea of curling up with a good book in front of a crackling fire.
– Diesel Boat Stoves
In recent years, diesel fueled boat stoves have gained popularity for their convenience. These stoves can run continuously, eliminating the need for constant fire management. Furthermore, diesel stoves operate more cleanly than solid fuel options, which is an essential consideration as many local authorities begin to restrict smoke emissions from chimneys. As a result, diesel stoves are becoming the preferred heating solution for boats, especially in urban areas.
– Heating Challenges on Narrowboats
The unique long design of narrowboats can make it difficult to keep the cabins at both ends warm. To tackle this issue, many boaters install additional heating systems, such as radiators powered by a back boiler or a diesel heater. Some boats even feature a second stove located at the far end, ensuring comfort in colder weather. By understanding the heating options available, narrowboat owners can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere, making winter boating a delightful experience.
Heating for Barges and Larger Vessels
As the size of your vessel increases, the stress on the heating system intensifies. For larger boats, installing LPG combi or diesel combi boilers can be a smart choice. These advanced systems, similar to traditional LPG boilers used in homes, provide both heating through radiators and hot water on demand.
In addition to boilers, adding a large boat stove can enhance your vessel’s heating efficiency and offer supplementary warmth for the main cabin, ensuring comfort during your journeys. These innovative heating setups are designed to scale with the needs of larger boats. Although they may require a higher initial investment, they are often more cost-effective in the long run compared to maintaining a makeshift heating system.
To ensure safe and efficient installation of LPG systems, our team of Gas Safe registered marine gas engineers is here to help you navigate your options. Ensure the reliability and safety of your onboard heating with our expert service.
Heating GRP Cabin Cruisers and other Fibreglass Vessels
Fibreglass boats, also known as GRP boats, have unique installation requirements compared to traditional narrowboats and barges, which are primarily constructed from steel. When it comes to installing a hot air heating system in a fibreglass boat, the process is often more straightforward. The ducting for these systems can be routed through less visible areas of the vessel, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
For wet systems, fibreglass boats generally offer limited wall space for installing pipework. As a result, hot air heating systems are the preferred choice and typically rely on diesel heaters. However, there are also options for LPG air heaters available. Our skilled marine gas engineers can provide expert advice on the best heating solution for your fibreglass boat.
Additionally, fitting solid fuel boat stoves in fibreglass vessels is possible but requires the expertise of a professional engineer. It’s crucial to protect the boat’s structure from the heat generated by the stove. Therefore, any hearth must be constructed following proper guidelines. Our experienced boat stove fitters can determine if a solid fuel stove is the right option for your specific boat design and layout.
Heating Yachts and Sailing Boats
Marine heating systems for sailing vessels, such as yachts and sailing barges, require special considerations due to their unique operating conditions. When a boat is underway, it will often heel over, which can impact the effectiveness of traditional heating systems. Not all boat heating options on the market are designed to accommodate this tilting motion. While some diesel boat stoves may not be suitable for sailing vessels, there are reliable alternatives available.
Most marine heating systems rely on combustion to generate heat, burning fuel to do so. However, this process can produce harmful byproducts, including Carbon Dioxide, condensation, and, most alarmingly, Carbon Monoxide. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a professional marine heating engineer for proper installation. This is especially important on sailing vessels that may be exposed to high winds. Our engineers will ensure safe and optimal performance from your heating system.
Cooker Installation Services for Boats
We recognize how crucial a well-functioning galley is for your boat. Our specialized cooker installation services cater specifically to marine vessels, ensuring that your cooking appliances are both practical and safe for onboard use. We make certain that all appliances comply with maritime safety standards. Whether you’re looking to install a new boat-specific cooker or convert a domestic appliance for marine use, our expert marine gas engineers are ready to help. With our professional services, you can easily prepare delicious meals while at sea, all while ensuring your galley remains safe and efficient.
Marine Electrical Services
We also offer comprehensive marine electrical services tailored to meet the specific needs of boating enthusiasts. Our certified electricians are adept at handling the unique electrical challenges present in marine environments. From installing and maintaining boat-specific electrical systems to troubleshooting and repairing, our team ensures your vessel’s electrical systems are safe, reliable, and efficient. Whether you need lighting installations, battery management systems, or domestic power supply setups, our marine electricians have the expertise.
Boat Plumbing Services
Fresh and waste water plumbing on boats can be challenging. The system you choose for your boat will depend on the type of vessel and how it is set up. We have many years of experience installing and servicing plumbing setups in the marine sector. Our Boat Plumbers can help you choose the right fresh and wastewater system. We offer a full design, supply, and fitting service. This includes cold and hot fresh water, gravity-fed and pump-fed, grey water disposal, macerator pump-out toilets, and black water tanks.