Freezing weather can be hard on a narrowboat, especially the fresh water system. A small amount of trapped water in a pipe, pump, tap or calorifier can expand as it freezes, split fittings and leave you with leaks when you return in spring. If you are leaving your boat unattended during the colder months, learning…

Antifreeze is one of those unglamorous narrowboat jobs that can save you from expensive damage, stressful winter surprises and avoidable engine trouble. It protects more than just against freezing. The right product, mixed correctly, also helps prevent corrosion inside your engine and heating system. This narrowboat antifreeze guide explains what antifreeze does, where it is…

Good narrowboat engine winterising is one of the most important jobs to do before cold weather sets in. A narrowboat engine is tough, but it is not immune to frost, stale fuel, flat batteries or corrosion. Whether you live aboard, cruise through winter or leave your boat moored for long periods, a careful winter routine…

A narrowboat gearbox oil change is one of those maintenance jobs that can feel slightly mysterious until you have done it once. The good news is that it is usually a manageable task for a careful boat owner, provided you use the correct oil, work cleanly and follow the guidance for your specific gearbox. Your…

Narrowboat gearbox problems can turn a relaxed cruise into a stressful day very quickly. The gearbox is the link between your engine and propeller, so when it starts to misbehave you may lose drive, struggle to change direction, hear worrying noises or notice oil where it should not be. The good news is that many…

Narrowboat propeller vibration can turn a peaceful cruise into a worrying experience. A light hum from the stern is normal, but shaking, knocking, rumbling, or sudden changes in vibration should never be ignored. The good news is that many causes are simple to identify, especially on canals where weed, plastic bags, rope, and shallow water…

Narrowboat rudder problems can turn a relaxed cruise into a frustrating and sometimes worrying experience. One moment the boat is tracking nicely, the next the tiller feels heavy, loose, noisy or oddly unresponsive. The good news is that many steering issues have simple causes, such as debris around the propeller or weed hatch, low-speed handling…

A narrowboat stern gland leaking can be alarming, especially if you lift the engine bay boards and find more water than expected. The good news is that a small amount of water around a traditional packed stern gland is often normal. The important bit is knowing the difference between a controlled drip and a leak…

A narrowboat bilge pump is one of those bits of kit you hope you never really need, but you want it ready the moment water appears where it should not. If you have found your narrowboat bilge pump not working, it is worth dealing with it promptly and methodically. The good news is that many…

Diesel bug is one of those narrowboat problems that many boaters only think about once the engine starts coughing, the filter blocks, or the boat loses power at the worst possible moment. The good news is that, with the right approach, it can usually be treated and prevented. This guide explains what diesel bug is,…