Installing or replacing a boat stove is one of the most significant upgrades you can make to your vessel. However, marine environments present unique risks that domestic installations do not. At Marine Heating Solutions, we have been performing nationwide, BSS-compliant installations since 2018.
This guide outlines the critical steps for a safe, legal, and efficient installation following BS 8511:2010—the code of practice for the installation of solid fuel heating appliances in small craft.
1. Regulations and Mandatory Clearances
Before you begin, you must consult the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Essential Guide to ensure your plan meets current inspection requirements.
- Hearth Dimensions: Unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer, the hearth must extend at least 150mm to the sides and back, and 225mm to the front of the stove.
- Combustible Protection: Use 25mm thick fire-grade boards with a 10mm air gap behind them to prevent heat transfer to the boat’s wooden lining.
- Securing the Stove: The appliance must be bolted or securely fixed to the hearth to prevent movement during navigation or impact.
2. The Ventilation Calculation
A common DIY mistake is failing to account for total air demand. Every installation must be verified using the BSS ventilation formula:
$V = [2200 \times U] + [650 \times P] + [550 \times H] + [440 \times F]$
- V: Total fixed ventilation area ($mm^2$).
- H: Nominal output (kW) of your new stove.
- Refer to our Is Your Boat Stove Safe? guide for the full variable breakdown.
3. Flue Systems: Why Twin-Wall is Mandatory
For 2026, we no longer recommend single-skin mild steel flues. They are prone to rapid corrosion and pose a significant fire risk.
- The Standard: You should install a Stainless Steel Twin-Wall Insulated Flue. This maintains high internal temperatures for a better “draw” and prevents the exterior from reaching dangerous temperatures.
- The Exit: Ensure your roof collar is professional-grade and maintains a 10mm clearance from combustible roof linings.
4. Choosing the Right Appliance
Not all stoves are “Marine Grade.” Many domestic stoves require a 4.5m flue to function, which is impossible on a narrowboat.
- Recommendation: Look for stoves specifically designed for short-flue environments, such as the Morso Squirrel or the Go Eco Adventurer 5.
Expert Resource: For a complete directory of approved solid fuel appliances, visit the HETAS Find an Appliance database or contact our team for a professional installation quote.
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