If you spend any time around boats, you’ll hear the name Morso Squirrel mentioned sooner or later. For decades, it’s been the go-to stove for reliability and warmth, especially within the UK’s narrowboat community. It’s that perfect mix of classic looks and modern, efficient heating.
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Why the Morso Squirrel Is a Boater’s Best Friend
The Morso Squirrel isn’t just another heater. For many boaters, it’s the warm, beating heart of their vessel. Its reputation is built on solid, dependable construction and a timeless style that just seems to fit the unique interior of a boat.
The stove’s heritage comes from over 150 years of Danish cast-iron craftsmanship by Morso. When they started exporting to the UK, the Squirrel quickly found a home on the water.
An Enduring Legacy on the Water
The Morso Squirrel’s popularity in marine settings is no accident. It’s the direct result of a design that perfectly balances size, performance, and durability for life afloat.
Since it arrived in the UK back in the 1980s, the Morso 1412 Squirrel has become one of the nation’s best-selling stoves. Its appeal comes from blending that classic look with modern combustion technology, which delivers an efficient 5 kW heat output – ideal for smaller spaces like narrowboats. You can dig deeper into the history of this iconic stove’s success in the UK market.
Its chunky cast-iron body is a major advantage. Think of it as a thermal battery; it soaks up heat from the fire and then radiates it slowly and evenly into the cabin. This creates a deep, penetrating warmth that really cuts through the damp and chill you so often find on the water.
What really sets the stove apart is its ability to provide consistent, manageable heat. It doesn’t create a stuffy, overpowering sauna. Instead, it maintains a stable and comfortable living space, which is absolutely crucial when your home is only a few metres long.
This blend of qualities has secured its status on the cut:
- Compact Footprint: It’s designed to tuck neatly into tight spaces without skimping on performance.
- Reliable Heat: The cast-iron construction means you can count on it for dependable warmth.
- Timeless Design: Its classic look fits right in, whether your boat’s interior is traditional or modern.
For all these reasons, when boaters are looking for a heating solution that will stand the test of time, they consistently turn to the Morso Squirrel stove.
The Perfect Fit for Marine Environments
Anyone who lives on a boat knows that every centimetre of space is precious. When it comes to fitting out your floating home, you’re not just choosing appliances for their function; you’re looking for pieces that fit neatly into a compact, self-contained world. This is exactly where the Morso Squirrel stove really comes into its own, proving time and again why it’s such a popular choice for narrowboats, yachts, and other vessels.
It all starts with its small footprint. Unlike those bulky stoves designed for houses, the Squirrel is built to be tucked away neatly into tight corners, saving that all-important living space without compromising on heat. For life afloat, this clever, compact design isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential.
The Heartbeat of the Cabin
But it’s not just about size. The stove’s very construction is perfectly matched to the unique challenges of a marine climate. Its heavy-duty cast-iron body acts like a thermal sponge, soaking up a tremendous amount of heat from the fire and then radiating it out slowly and consistently.
This radiant heat is the key. It creates a deep, bone-dry warmth that pushes back against the persistent damp and chill that every boater is familiar with. Think of it less like the quick, superficial blast from a fan heater and more like the steady, comforting warmth of the sun. When you look at various marine stoves on the market, the Morso Squirrel’s ability to deliver this kind of consistent, penetrating heat from such a small unit is truly exceptional.
The multi-fuel burner has truly transformed our time on the water! Its efficient design allows for quick heating. We’ve spent countless cozy evenings in our cabin, enjoying the warmth it radiates even in the coldest winter months. It’s an absolute game-changer, making our adventures not only more comfortable but also more enjoyable. I can’t imagine having any other stove for our boating trips!
The Goldilocks Heat Output
The Morso Squirrel stove typically has a nominal heat output of around 5kW. For most boat cabins, this is what you’d call the ‘Goldilocks’ level—not too hot, not too cold, but just right. It’s powerful enough to warm the entire space efficiently without turning your cosy cabin into an unbearable sauna.
This balanced output is precisely what makes it so practical for day-to-day life on a boat. It provides that reliable, gentle warmth needed to transform a cold, damp space into a cosy and inviting home. This combination of clever design, robust construction, and ideal heat output explains why the Squirrel is so much more than just a heater; for countless boaters, it’s the warm heartbeat of their life afloat.
Understanding Its Technical Specs and Performance
Beyond its classic good looks and compact size, the real magic of a Morso Squirrel stove is in its engineering. Getting to grips with the technical specs isn’t about memorising dry numbers. It’s about understanding how those details give you reliable warmth, save you fuel, and create a safer home on your boat. These are the figures that really matter when you’re living with it day in, day out.
Let’s break down what makes it tick. The stove’s dimensions and weight are carefully designed for stability in a marine environment, while its flue diameter is a critical measurement for a safe and effective exhaust system.
Performance And Environmental Credentials
One of the best things about the modern Morso Squirrel stove is how efficient and clean-burning it is. It is DEFRA-approved, which is essential if you’re navigating through UK smoke control areas—a common reality for many of us on the inland waterways.
The image below gives you a clear picture of how the Defra approved Morso Squirrel 1412 stacks up against a standard wood stove, showing its superior burn time and fuel efficiency.
As you can see, the Morso Squirrel gives you longer burn times with less fuel, making it a more practical and economical choice for keeping your boat warm.
To put some numbers on it, the Morso 1412 DEFRA model is a great example. We’ve put together a quick table to summarise its key details.
Morso 1412 Squirrel Stove At A Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Energy Rating | A+ |
| Nominal Heat Output | 4.6 kW |
| Efficiency | 83% |
| CO Emissions | 0.10% |
| Flue Outlet | 125mm (Top/Rear) |
| DEFRA Approved | Yes |
| Fuel Type | Wood & Smokeless Fuel |
This efficiency is officially recognised. With an outstanding A+ energy rating and an efficiency of around 83%, a massive chunk of the energy from your fuel is turned directly into useful heat for your cabin, with very little wasted up the flue.
The Airwash System And Its Benefits
Ever wondered how the glass on a Morso Squirrel stays so clear, giving you that beautiful view of the flames? That’s the clever built-in airwash system at work. It’s not just there for the looks; it’s vital for the stove’s performance.
The system channels a super-heated curtain of air down the inside of the glass door. This air stream does two important jobs:
- Keeps the Glass Clean: It forms a barrier that stops soot and tar from building up on the glass.
- Improves Combustion: This pre-heated air is drawn into the firebox, providing the secondary air needed for a much cleaner and more complete burn.
A cleaner burn means you get more heat from your fuel and produce fewer emissions. It’s a perfect example of Morso’s talent for blending traditional design with smart, modern combustion technology.
The flue system is just as important for performance. A properly installed flue gives you a good draw, which stops smoke from spilling into the cabin and helps the stove run at its best. On a boat, dealing with short flue heights is a key factor. If you want to learn more, you can check out our guide on The Benefits Of Stainless Steel Twin Wall Insulated Flues For Boat Stoves to ensure your stove works perfectly, no matter the weather.
Ensuring a Safe Stove Installation on Your Boat
When you live on the water, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s the foundation of everything you do. Fitting a beautiful Morso Squirrel stove is an exciting upgrade, but doing it safely is absolutely non-negotiable. It’s about protecting your boat, your investment, and most importantly, yourself.
A proper installation starts from the ground up—with the hearth. This isn’t just a decorative base; it’s your first line of defence. The hearth must be made from a non-combustible material like slate, tile, or concrete. It also needs to be large enough to extend well beyond the stove’s footprint, ready to catch any stray embers that might try to escape.
Likewise, the areas around the stove, especially the bulkheads (your boat’s walls), need serious protection. Just leaving a bit of a gap isn’t going to cut it. You have to install proper heat shielding, usually a combination of an air gap and a fire-retardant board. This is crucial to stop the intense radiant heat from creating a fire risk in the nearby woodwork. For a good overview of the general principles, this wood burning stove installation guide is a helpful resource.
The Crucial Role of a Marine-Specific Flue Kit
One of the most dangerous mistakes any boater can make is to try and use substandard flue parts or flue parts made from outdated materials for a marine installation. A boat moves, it flexes, and it lives in a harsh, damp environment. A proper marine flue kit, one that complies with safety standards and best industry practices and is engineered specifically for these challenges, is absolutely essential for your safety.
Using the wrong type flue pipes is a serious hazard. The correct flue parts are designed to withstand the constant vibration and potential corrosion found on a boat, which can lead to cracks and dangerous leaks of smoke and carbon monoxide.
A compliant system has several key components:
- Twin-Wall Insulated Sections: Where the flue passes through your deck and roof (the cabin top), it absolutely must be a twin-wall insulated pipe. This design keeps the outer surface temperature low, and flue gases hot and rising efficiently. It is even better practice to install a flue that is entirely made of twin-wall insulated stainless steel.
- Deck Collar: This is a purpose-built fitting that creates a totally waterproof and heat-proof seal where the flue exits the boat. It’s essential for keeping rain out and heat safely contained.
- Secure Brackets: The entire flue system has to be securely attached, and sections longer than 1.2 meters should be supported by brackets. This stops it from moving or shaking apart as the boat shifts and vibrates on the water.
For anyone planning to tackle this job, our detailed guide on how to install a boat stove gives you a step-by-step walkthrough of these critical stages.
Your Most Important Safety Device
While the physical installation is vital, your single most important piece of safety kit is a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced whenever fuel doesn’t burn completely. In an enclosed space like a boat cabin, it can be lethal.
You should install at least one, though preferably two, marine-grade CO alarms. Always place them according to the manufacturer’s instructions—this usually means away from the stove itself, in sleeping areas and main living spaces. Test them regularly, just as you would a smoke alarm.
Think of your CO alarm as the silent guardian for your Morso Squirrel stove. It’s the one device that will alert you to an invisible danger, and it is an absolute necessity for every single boat with a fuel-burning appliance on board.
Operating and Maintaining Your Morso Squirrel
Getting the best out of your Morso Squirrel stove is about more than just lighting it up. It’s about getting to know its personality – understanding its rhythms and what it needs to perform at its best. A bit of know-how and some regular upkeep are all it takes to guarantee years of reliable, cosy warmth.
Your relationship with the stove starts with the very first fire, a vital step called ‘curing’. The heat-resistant paint on your new stove needs to be baked on properly. For the first few times you use it, stick to small, gentle fires, and build up the heat gradually over several sessions. This simple process is what stops the paint from blistering, giving you that tough, long-lasting finish.
Mastering Fuel and Air Controls
What you burn has a massive effect on your stove’s performance. Many boaters love the long, slow burn and beautiful, dancing flames you get from seasoned hardwood. But if you need steady, all-night warmth to keep the cabin from getting chilly, smokeless coal is your best bet, as it can smoulder away for hours. We recommend Oxbow coal for best performance and low ash.
The real skill in running a Morso Squirrel, though, is in getting the hang of its air controls. Think of them as the stove’s lungs; they regulate the fire’s intensity and how efficiently it burns fuel.
- Primary Air: This is your starter. A wheel opening at the bottom of the stove feeds air from underneath the grate. It’s absolutely essential for getting the fire going and is the main control for burning smokeless fuels.
- Secondary Air (Airwash): This clever control brings pre-heated air down over the inside of the glass door. It’s the secret to a clean burn with wood, creating those hypnotic secondary flames and, just as importantly, keeping the glass from sooting up.
When you’re burning wood, you’ll start with the primary air wide open. Once the fire is roaring away, you close it down and rely almost entirely on the secondary air. For smokeless coal, you’ll want to keep that primary air partially open to keep the fuel bed glowing nice and hot.
The aim is to find that perfect sweet spot – maximum heat for minimal smoke. A lazy, orange flame just creates soot, while a roaring, bright inferno will burn through your fuel in no time. A lively, dancing yellow flame is what you’re looking for.
A Simple Maintenance Checklist
Looking after your stove isn’t a chore; it’s just protecting your investment and making sure it runs safely. Weaving these simple tasks into your routine will keep your Morso Squirrel in fantastic shape. To see how these stoves fit into a wider heating setup, you can check out the full range of Morso boat stoves and available accessories.
Regular Checks:
- Empty the Ash Pan: Don’t let it get completely full. An overflowing ash pan can cause the grate to overheat and warp.
- Clean the Flue: This is non-negotiable. Regular sweeping prevents the build-up of flammable creosote, which is a major fire risk.
- Check Firebricks: Have a quick look for any cracks or crumbling bits. These bricks are there to protect the stove’s steel body, so replace them if they look damaged.
- Inspect Rope Seals: Check the rope seals around the door and the glass. If they look frayed or squashed flat, they won’t be creating an airtight seal. That means your fire will be harder to control and much less efficient.
- Annual Check Up and Service: Our engineers can service your stove and carry out safety checks. This is best done on an annual basis, before the heating season begins. We can issue a solid fuel stove safety certificate with your annual stove service.
Got Questions About The Morso Squirrel Stove?
When you’re thinking about adding something as significant as a solid fuel stove to your boat, it’s only natural to have a few questions. In fact, asking questions is essential. You need to know what it’s really like to live with it day-to-day before you make the leap.
We’ve pulled together some of the most common queries we hear from boaters on the towpath and in online forums. Here are some straight-talking answers to help you decide if the Morso Squirrel stove is right for you.
Can I Really Leave the Stove Burning Overnight?
This is probably the number one question we get asked, and the short answer is yes, you can – but you need to do it correctly. The Morso Squirrel is a champ at long, slow burns, especially with the right fuel. Its solid cast-iron body is brilliant at holding onto heat and radiating it out long after the flames have died down.
To get a safe overnight burn, you’ve got to get your routine down:
- Use the Right Fuel: Seasoned hardwood is great for a roaring fire, but it burns far too quickly for an all-nighter. Smokeless fuels like Oxbow Newheat are what you want; they’re made to smoulder away for hours.
- Master the Air Controls: Get the fire nice and hot first, then shut the primary air supply right down. This starves the fire of oxygen, slowing the burn rate to a crawl.
- Keep That Flue Clear: A clean, clear flue is non-negotiable. It’s vital for preventing any build-up of carbon monoxide.
And speaking of which, always, always have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your cabin. It’s the most important bit of safety kit you own when you’re heating with a stove.
Which Model Is Best for a Boat?
Morso has rolled out a few different versions of the Squirrel over the years. But for boaters here in the UK, the Morso 1412 DEFRA-approved model is almost always the one to go for.
Being DEFRA-approved means you can legally use it in “smoke control areas,” which cover a surprising number of canals and rivers running through towns and cities. This model is designed to burn fuel more completely, so it produces very little smoke. If you opt for a non-DEFRA stove, you could find yourself restricted on where you can moor up and light your fire in the winter.
A key advantage of the Morso Squirrel stove is its versatility. While the DEFRA-approved 1412 is a standout for UK waterways, the core design’s reliability and compact size make any well-maintained Squirrel a fantastic choice for marine life.
How Much Space Do I Need Around the Stove?
Clearances are a massive safety issue. You absolutely cannot just shove the stove up against a wooden bulkhead and hope for the best. The manufacturer gives very specific minimum distances to any combustible materials, and you have to follow them to the letter.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need:
- Proper Heat Shielding: This means installing a fire-retardant board with an air gap behind and to the sides of the stove.
- A Non-Combustible Hearth: The stove needs to sit on a solid base of stone, tile, or steel that sticks out in front and to the sides.
These aren’t just suggestions; they’re essential for stopping your boat from catching fire. Any professional marine installer will make sure your setup meets the relevant standards, which are the official guidelines for installing stoves on boats.
For anyone living on the water, getting the heating right is what transforms a boat into a proper, cosy home. The Morso Squirrel has been proving its worth for decades, providing a reliable, comforting heart for countless cabins.
For expert advice and certified installation of your Morso Squirrel stove, trust the specialists at Marine Heating Solutions. We ensure your boat is warm, safe, and fully compliant with all marine standards.
For quotes and bookings, call or email us here.
