Narrowboat maintenance: daily, monthly and yearly checks

A narrowboat looked after on a schedule lasts decades. Skip the checks and small jobs become big bills. Use this list as your routine.

Every day you cruise (or every 8 engine hours)

• Engine oil and gearbox oil levels
• Coolant level
• Battery fluid, if your batteries need it
• A turn of the stern gland greaser
• Drive belt tension
• After starting: the charge light goes out and the alternator is charging
• Once warm: oil pressure and coolant temperature look normal

Every month

• Condition of the fan belt, stern gland, coolant hoses, fuel lines and shut-off valves
• All moving parts greased
• Bolts and connections tight
• Alternator charge rate to the batteries

Every year (or around 250 engine hours)

• Change engine and gearbox oil
• Change oil, air and fuel filters
• Change antifreeze
• Check anodes and all external fastenings
• Add fuel treatment if the boat sits empty in cold weather

The hull

Steel hulls need blacking every two to three years. The boat comes out of the water, the hull is cleaned and a protective coating goes on. Anodes usually get replaced every four or five years, often at the same lift-out. Have a hull survey every five to seven years so you spot thin steel before it becomes a leak.

Boat Safety Scheme

Your boat needs a Boat Safety Scheme examination every four years to keep its licence. It checks gas, fuel, electrics, ventilation and fire safety. It is not a condition survey.

Winter

• Drain or protect the water system if the boat will sit unheated
• Keep batteries charged; flat batteries freeze
• Check bilges and mooring lines after storms

Need a hand? Find engineers, blacking and boat services near you.