The best wood-burning stoves for boats and canal barges

Ahoy there!

We’ll sink the boat-based tomfoolery at that and get down to the serious business of helping you find the ideal woodburner for your boat or canal barge.

Unless you’ve got a particularly extravagant yacht, the chances are that you’re going to want a fairly small woodburner. There are two main reasons for this.

Firstly, floorspace is at a premium on most boats, so you don’t want to take up any more room than is absolutely necessary.

Secondly, most boats are more confined than the average home and the last thing you want to create is some sort of unbearable floating sauna.

Fortunately, we’ve got some suggestions that will help you to find a stove that takes up minimal space and gives off just the right amount of heat.

Mazona Ripley 4 kW Ecodesign Ready Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove

Its clean lines and modern design help the Mazona Ripley to avoid looking too ‘busy’ in smaller spaces. And at just 380mm wide, it’s hardly going to impose itself on your boat. It’s Ecodesign ready and highly efficient. Take a closer look.

Mazona Warwick 4 kW Ecodesign Ready Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove


The Mazona Warwick is a lovely little traditional stove. At the time of writing, it is also the most reasonably priced appliance. Its timeless design features take the form of a high quality steel body, which is just 370mm wide. And the 4kW heat output is ideal for boats and other snug spaces. Take a closer look.

Arada Hamlet Solution 4 (S4) Ecodesign Ready Multi Fuel Wood Burning Stove

The dinky Arada Hamlet Solution is just 334mm wide. It’s the baby of the respected British-made Arada Stoves brand. Its 4kW heat output makes it perfect for houseboats and narrowboats. Take a closer look.

15 thoughts on “The best wood-burning stoves for boats and canal barges

  1. I am hoping to buy a boat in France, it has no heating system, it is steel hulled. I would like a wood burner. What do you recommend? Do you have facilities in France?

  2. I have a steel hulled narrowboat, moored in a smoke control zone. Please could you suggest some stoves similar to above but defra exempt? Ideally multifuel and at the lower end of the budget. Many thanks

  3. Oh nice, i do like these. Hubby and i have been looking at wood stoves just earlier today as winter isn’t far away! For me there’s just something about a nice cast iron stove burning away. It always brings back memories of when i was a kid and sitting at my nans, being slightly afraid of the stove but loving the warmth coming off it and watching the fire burn steadily away. Magical!

  4. I am buying a steel hulled wide beam boat in France. I would love a wood burner with oven and hot plate. Similar to a small Rayburn. Do you have such a model?

  5. As a child i was brought up using a “the nipper” stove with hot plate and oven. Tiny about 18″ wide, but very efficient. Made apparently for barges per war? Never seen one since.

  6. I’m looking for a wood burner for my sailing yacht – I have a Catalina 42 and I’m unsure about the placement of the wood burner in the main cabin. Do you have any recommendations?

    • Hi Nikki

      We don’t do installations, so we’re not well enough acquainted with the layout, unfortunately. But a heating engineer from a competent person’s scheme would be able to come out an advise.

      Thanks,

      Gr8Fires

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