Practical solution to stoves in narrowboats

THE original draft of the new regulations for stoves in narrowboats would surely have meant their demise, with one particular suggestion that there must be 2ft between the wall and the stove!

However it appears that the new British Standard was introduced in February 2011, writes Peter Bowker.

However, anyone wishing buy a copy will have to part with £142. It may be possible to view the document at local libraries but the following link should provide sufficient information for most purposes http://www.soliftec.com/Boat%20Stoves%201-page.pdf

Practical solution

Compared with early drafts, this document appears to present a fairly practical solution to the issue. Apart from the fact that it isn't clear which type of insulation material is available to use on the flue pipe, the rest of the information is clear and concise.

Whilst this British Standard only makes recommendations, anyone purchasing a new boat or refitting an existing boat would maybe be well advised to follow these guidelines. It is perhaps of some concern how many boats have been built with wooden steps right next to a solid fuel stove with ceramic tiles affixed to a combustible internal lining material.

Surprisingly, the Boat Safety Scheme fire portal hasn't been amended to reflect any of these new recommendations.