A high-resolution photograph of a Webasto Air Top Evo 40 diesel heater professionally installed in a boat's timber-lined locker, showing clean ducting, a secured fuel line, and a double-insulated marine exhaust.

Webasto Boat Heater: The Ultimate Guide to Air & Water Systems

ualified Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) examiner for inland waterway vessel inspections
Gas Safe Registered engineer for marine LPG gas installations and safety certificates
OFTEC certified technician for marine diesel heating and oil-fired appliance servicing

The Gold Standard in Marine Warmth

When it comes to reliable, off-grid warmth on the UK’s waterways, Webasto stands above the rest. Known for precision engineering and exceptional longevity, a Webasto boat heater is a critical system for moisture control and year-round comfort.

As we move into 2026, Webasto has refined its lineup to focus on quieter operation and smarter digital integration. Whether you are heating a compact cruiser or a 70ft widebeam, there is a specific Webasto configuration designed for your vessel’s layout.

Is your current system underperforming? Book a Webasto Heater Service to ensure peak efficiency.


1. Which is Right for Me? Air vs. Water Systems

The first step in choosing a system is understanding the two fundamental technologies available in 2026.

  • Air Heaters (Air Top Series): These draw in cool air, pass it over a heat exchanger, and blow warm, dry air directly into your cabins through ducting. They are fast-acting and excellent for “drying out” a damp boat quickly.
  • Water Heaters (Thermo Top Series): These function like a domestic central heating boiler. They heat a coolant mixture that circulates through radiators and can also provide hot water via your boat water heater (calorifier).

2. The 2026 Webasto Lineup

Selecting the right model depends on your vessel size and your heating requirements.

ModelTypeBest ForKey 2026 Feature
Air Top 2000 STCAirSmall-Mid CruisersUltra-low fuel consumption (0.12L/hr)
Air Top Evo 40Air50ft+ NarrowboatsAutomatic altitude compensation
Air Top Evo 55AirLarge Widebeams/YachtsHigh-output, rapid cabin warming
Thermo Top EvoWaterFull Live-aboardsRadiator and hot water integration

3. Smart Control: MultiControl & ThermoConnect

The biggest upgrade for 2026 is how you interact with your heater. Gone are the days of simple on/off switches.

  • MultiControl HD: This digital panel allows you to program 7-day timers and provides instant diagnostic error codes so you know exactly what is happening with your system.
  • ThermoConnect App: For the ultimate convenience, you can now turn your heater on via your smartphone, ensuring your boat is warm before you even arrive at the marina.

4. Professional Installation & Safety

A Webasto boat heater involves diesel fuel, high-amperage electricity, and hot exhaust gases. Safety is paramount to meeting Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) requirements.

As professional installers, we ensure:

  • Marine-Grade Exhausts: Using stainless steel, double-insulated skin fittings to vent gases safely.
  • Fuel Line Integrity: Ensuring all lines are fire-resistant and meet EN ISO 7840 standards.
  • System Balancing: Properly sizing ducting and radiators to prevent the heater from “short-cycling,” which extends the life of the unit.
A technical diagram illustrating a Webasto Thermo Top water heater connected to a closed-loop system featuring a domestic radiator and a marine calorifier tank for hot water.
The Webasto Thermo Top acts as a central boiler, using a circulating pump to provide consistent radiant heat to radiators and “on-demand” hot water through your boat’s calorifier.

Conclusion

A Webasto boat heater is an investment in your boat’s longevity and your own comfort. Whether you choose the rapid dry heat of the Air Top or the luxurious central heating of the Thermo Top, you are securing a warm, dry future on the water.