HAVING read the article Narrowboats too cold for winter living, I am amazed at the prognosis by the doctor, writes Orph Mable.
Having worked with narrowboats for many years I can honestly say that, in my opinion, if you are cold on a properly fitted out narrowboat then you are ‘doing it wrong'!
Better understanding
If the doctor was to visit a few more boats in winter, I think a better understanding would be achieved.
From experience, the greatest problem (after carbon monoxide) is dampness. I see so many boats with all the vents blocked off and windows obscured by condensation which is far from healthy.
A solid fuel stove with a back boiler will easily heat several radiators if set up correctly, with warm air circulation increased by employing a stove fan (zero running costs).
Comparing chalk to cheese
To compare the insulation used on modern narrowboats with household insulation is like comparing chalk and cheese. Also the doctor should realise that the floor in a narrowboat is normally about 4 inches (or more) above the base plate giving an insulating air gap.
Also it is worth mentioning that the base plate of a narrowboat is usually more than 18 inches below the surface of the water ensuring that it is nearly always at about four degrees centigrade (Not freezing even if the surface of the water is frozen!)
[Orph, Oxley Marine]