Naming A Boat: 5 Things Every Boater Should Know

When you get a new boat everybody wants to know what you are going to call it. There is a long tradition around the process of naming a boat and what you should and should not do to name a boat. I did a little research about naming boats, and here is what I found. Should You Name Your Boat? Should You Name Your Boat? Yes! Keeping with maritime tradition, naming your boat is a must for the captain of the ship. The name you choose for your boat becomes YOUR legacy on the sea, one that will forever be linked with your name. With an unlimited amount of choices available, it would seem deciding on a name for your boat would be an easy feat. But that could be part of the problem. Since the name chosen will become an extension of the captain, make sure it will stand for something or have special meaning. This is no laughing matter, remember, the name chosen will forever be associated with the owner of the boat. On the high seas, the boat naming process is one that should not be taken lightly. Do you want your boat name to infer you are majestic, a serious boater or a weekend cruiser? Or do you prefer your name to be the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons? You don’t want your boat name to be associated with a silly or clownish name. Careful consideration should be taken to ensure the name chosen will not prove unlucky for the captain of the ship. Many boaters, when considering a name, like parents of a newborn (yes, to boaters this is a serious matter), put a great deal of thought into their vessels name. Boats cannot be called by just any name! Ultimately the name chosen will reveal a great deal about the owner, speaking volumes to their character, whether it is a classic choice or a funny cliché (though it may be best to forego these types of choices), or the name of a significant other. Besides, owning a boat is not a part-time hobby, it is a passion, one that can be costly and very time-consuming. It only makes sense that you show your pride in your boat by giving it the proper name. Let’s face it, if it is a good boat name people will be impressed, but if it is a bad name, people will remember it forever. Blimey, no one wants their boat name to be a mistake! Is It Bad Luck To Name A Boat? Is It Bad Luck To Name A Boat? Absolutely not! On the contrary, many believe it is bad luck if you fail to name your boat. Since a name defines the character of the owner (in most cases), and the vessel takes on a life, and mind of its own, it is definitely a good idea to name your boat. Once a boat is named and Christened it is not a good idea to rename a boat (unless of course, you perform the necessary de-naming ceremony). Many boat owners will agree their vessels tend to take on a life of their own. Naming your boat, some owners will attest, gives life and personality to the vessel. As you set your course and sail the seas, your boat name will be on display for all to see. More importantly, naming your boat is imperative to your safety when sailing the open seas. If you find yourself in trouble requiring the assistance of the coast guard, it will save time, and your life, if you are able to give them the name of your boat. Telling them to look for the blue boat with white trim in the middle of the ocean would not be encouraged. You need a name for your boat for it to be tracked. It is important to note, in the boating world there are many superstitions, after all, the boating tradition is a long and hardy one. The boating world firmly believes you are inviting trouble and bad luck if you fail to give your boat a name. The tradition of naming boats started over a thousand years ago, names were thought to make the difference between good luck or being lost at sea. Just as it is important to give your boat a name, it is equally important to have a christening ceremony welcoming your boat to the world. Can You Name A Boat After A Man? Can You Name A Boat After A Man? A boat named after a man is not forbidden, however, it has long been the tradition to name a boat after a female figure. It is not known why ships are named after women, though, it is believed vessels were originally named after goddesses and other mythical figures. The captain of the ship, when naming his vessel after a woman of significance, will take better care of his ship, making maintenance and upkeep a priority. The captain will love and cherish his ship as he would the vessel's namesake. It is important to note vessel names are regional, the meaning of a given name can be interpreted differently depending on its origin or geographical location. A name representing good luck in one part of the country can spell disaster in another. The consequences of the name can be affected by regional beliefs and traditions, as well as, linguistic translations. If you find you are having a hard time naming your boat, you can often find inspiration from that special woman in your life, this choice will never go out of style. Can Two Boats Have The Same Name? Can Two Boats Have The Same Name? Yes? It is not uncommon for boats to share the same name, moreover, it is even not uncommon for boats with the same name, to hail from the same port. Boats, like vehicles, have a unique ID number (Hull ID Number), allowing every boat to be unique. Often when an owner replaces their old boat with a new one, they will choose to keep the same name. It is understandable considering the process for choosing the name can be a tedious and difficult task. Just because you sell the vessel doesn’t mean you don’t want to continue the name you meticulously chose, especially if it was in honor of someone special. The owner should take care to ensure after de-naming their vessel that all references to the old name be removed. This includes any items aboard which portrayed the vessels name, all lifeboats, dinghy’s, oars and other items should only be reused after the name is completely removed. It is recommended the owner should not allow any items bearing the new name of the vessel until the purging of the old name is complete. Where Do You Put The Boat Name? Where Do You Put The Boat Name? Display your boat name clearly printed on the port side and starboard bow, as well as the superstructure. Once you complete the arduous process of choosing THE perfect name for your boat, it is time to put your clever inspiration on full display. Aside from choosing the correct font, color and graphic design, there are a few rules to consider. According to IMO regulations, vessels are required to display the name, clearly printed on both the port side and starboard bow and the superstructure. Further, the IMO regulates the name, along with its IMO number and homeport, should be clearly printed on the stern, with lettering at least four inches in height. According to the US Coast Guard, the name for the vessel should be composed of letters of the Latin alphabet or Arabic or Roman numerals, taking care to not exceed 33 characters. The owner may not include in the name any use of profanity, indecent, racial or ethnic language. It is important to note the ships name should always be italicized when keeping with ship naming conventions. If you find yourself having a difficult time deciding on a name for your vessel, you may want to peruse the Top Ten Boat Names in 2019, according to the Boat Owners Association of The United States? AquaholicPearlForever YoungSecond ChanceSquid Pro QuoMore CowbellPegasusFeelin’ NautiWhy KnotHigh Maintenance When it is all said and done, what you call your boat, is your decision. With unlimited options to choose from, whether you go with a whimsical, funny, creative or traditional boat name, the process can be stressful. Try to remember a few tips along the way. Be patient, you don’t want to rush to a decision on your name, it needs to be personal and “speak” to you. Keep the safety in mind when choosing your name, keeping it short, simple, and easy to understand can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Try to avoid the obvious clichés, again, make sure the name you choose applies to you; this will be the name everyone will associate with you and who you are. Finally, in the maritime world, most boats are referred to as “she”, what better way to keep the timeless tradition than naming your vessel after an important woman in your life. Since most boat owners will agree their vessel takes on its own personality and human traits, why not give her a name you both would be proud of.