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Important things to have onboard

From our Guide to living on a narrowboat

Black and white penguin with a medical kit, ready for festive activities, stands on a white background.

Smart packing for life afloat: where every item counts

When your home is a 60-foot steel tube floating on the water, everything onboard has to earn its place. Space is limited, weather can be unpredictable, and help may not always be nearby. So living comfortably and safely aboard means packing thoughtfully – balancing practicality, size, and necessity.

Safety equipment

First aid kit

Cruising the inland waterways often means you’ll be in rural locations, so self-reliance in minor medical situations is essential.

Assorted plasters and dressings (sterile and waterproof).
Antiseptic wipes and spray.
Tweezers (for splinters, ticks).
Thermometer.
Sterile eye wash pods.
Microporous tape.
Bandages (crepe/triangle).
Burn gel or dressing.
Painkillers (paracetamol/ibuprofen).
Antihistamines.
Seasickness/vertigo tablets.
Scissors and safety pins.
CPR face shield or mask.
Emergency foil blanket.
Mosquito repellent.

Fire protection

Fire extinguishers.
Fire blanket.
Gas, Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms.

See the Fire Safety Section for more information.

Two people holding hands next to a speech bubble:

A cartoon penguin holds a wrench and stands next to a closed toolbox, ready for festive activities.

Tools

Boats, like bikes, always need tinkering with. A decent tool kit helps you fix problems before they get expensive.

Essential tools:

Spanner & socket set.
Multibit screwdriver (Philips + flathead).
Hammer and mallet.
Pliers (long nosed + standard).
Mole grips.
Hacksaw.
Wire brush (for stove/chimney).
Grease gun (for stern gland).
Allen key set.
Tape measure.
Voltage tester or multimeter.
Oil extractor pump (for engine servicing).
WD-40.
PTFE tape (for plumbing).
Electrical tape.
Hose clamps (jubilee clips).
Fuses and spare bulbs.
Spare nuts, bolts, screws.
Engine oil (recommended type for your engine).
Coolant.
Fuel treatment (diesel bug preventative).
Spare fan belt.
Oil, fuel, and air filters.
Funnel and measuring jug.

A cartoon penguin enjoys festive activities, operating a winch handle attached to a rope on a flat surface.

Mooring gear

Mooring pins (plus hammer).
Piling hooks and chains.
Centre line and bow/stern ropes.
Pin covers (high-vis for towpath safety).
Gloves (for lock work and mooring).
Waterproof torch or headtorch.

Outdoor & cruising gear

Folding chairs / small table.
Windlass (lock key). A ratcheted windlass such as the GO Windlass can make operating the lock paddles easier.
CRT key – giving access to boater facilities.
Canal map or app (like Waterway Routes or Open Canal Map) – see Navigation section.
Waterproofs and wellies.
Day rucksack.
Sunhat and sunglasses.

Cartoon penguin holding a frying pan, ready for festive activities, standing upright on two feet against a white background.

Electrical and power gear

Charging and lighting

Solar panels + battery management system / charge controller (if off-grid).
12v USB adapters and chargers.
Portable battery banks.
Head torch + rechargeable LED lanterns.

Extension leads

12V and 240V shore power leads.
Surge-protected extension for tech.

Galley gear

Space-saving, practical, and multi-use kitchen gear is a must.

Sturdy pans with lids (stackable or nesting).
Collapsible colander, bowl, and bucket.
Pressure cooker or Instant Pot (if you have solar/shoreline), or energy saving thermal cooker (Fran’s favourite).
Lidded containers for dry goods to keep the moisture out.

Heating

Coal, logs, kindling, firelighters.
Stove thermometer (helps manage efficient burns).
Hot water bottles and thermals.
Draught excluders.
Extra blankets or throws.
Dehumidifier crystals or electric unit.

Laundry and cleaning

Collapsible laundry basket.
Eco cleaning products (safe for greywater disposal).
Pegless drying line or foldable rack.
Compact vacuum or rechargeable handheld vac.
Spare cloths and tea towels.

Documentation and paperwork

Keep a waterproof folder with:

CRT boat license.
BSS certificate.
Insurance details.
Engine manual.
Mooring agreements (if applicable).
Emergency numbers.
Spare passport photos and ID.

Nice to haves (but worth it)

Kindle or e-reader.
Bluetooth speaker.
Board games or playing cards.
Fire Stick (if you watch via laptop).
Foldable step stool.

Aboard a narrowboat, less really is more – but going without the essentials can turn an idyllic life into an uncomfortable one. With the right kit, you can handle breakdowns, stay organised, cook great food, and stay warm and safe in all seasons.

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