Helpful Tips on Naming Your Boat

The practice of naming a boat dates back thousands of years. Old sailors used to call their ships after gods and goddesses in the hopes of bringing good fortune to their voyages. It has evolved over the years, and boat names varied in references, such as monarchs, religious figures, important places, prominent people, and many more. One of the most famous boat names in history is Titanic, the British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on its maiden voyage in 1912. The boat even had a true-to-life tragedy movie, also titled after its name.

Naming boats is not as mandatory as registering mechanically powered boats on federal waters. But people like to do it anyway, and there are many reasons they do. Some name their boats out of family traditions or cultural meanings. Others even think it is a right of passage to do so. The most common ways in which people like to name their boats are:

• Woman’s name - Historically, boat owners often name their boats after a female figure they adore or have been valuably part of their lives. This is also because men, who admired and cared for women and ships, were mostly the only sailors that chartered the sea in the past. Until today, boats are often referred to as she.

• Boat’s ability - Boats have personalities, and owners like to name their boats after their traits. This is why some speedy boats are called “Lightning,” and some modest sailboats are called “Serenity.”

• Hopeful principles - Naming boats have also been a way for owners to show people what they are after in life. Boat names reflect the boat owners’ personalities and their values in life. This is why words such as “Liberty,” “Carpe Diem,” and “Relentless” have often been used to name boats.

• Gods and goddesses - Some boat owners still believe in bringing luck to their travels by naming their boats after gods and goddesses like “Poseidon” and “Oceanus.”

Why Name Your Boat?

A boat is essential for sailors, whether anglers or boating enthusiasts. There is a certain bond between sailors and their ships. A boat also extends the owner’s skill, a tandem that is tested every journey. This is how vital a boat is, and giving your boat a name is a good indicator of how you value its significance.

1. Name it for Uniqueness

There are many boats out there, and boat naming is also popular. But naming your boat gives it a distinctive touch, making it more unique.

2. Name it for Ownership

When you name your ship, it means fully acknowledging it as your own. This sense of ownership brings out responsibility for your boat.

3. Name it for Pride

There is a particular rank of accomplishment when you buy a boat and a level of honor when you name it. As you show your friends your boat with a boldly displayed name, there will be a sense of fulfillment that only you can describe.

Tips on Naming Your Boat

If you are a new boat owner and have no idea how and what to name your boat, you might find these tips helpful:

1. Think Short

Get your boat a short name that is quick to say and remember. This way, it can be more iconic when seen sailing the waters.

2. Think Nautical

You can also go for the classic nautical vibe. This will show how well you know about ships and the sea. Naming your boat the maritime way never gets old.

3. Think Original

With many christened boats sailing the seven seas, you have to think original to set your ship apart from everyone else’s. Being authentic means going out of the box and choosing an unconventional name. It does not always have to be connected to the sea or boats in general. It can be mysterious or something that has a good story behind it.

4. Think Personal

Your boat is your own, and thinking about a name close to your heart makes it more personally yours. You can name it after a pet that died, your child, a beloved someone, or even a past boat that you own.

5. Think Creative

For more artistic boat owners, choosing a creative name for your ship is the way to go. You may choose prominent artists, art styles, poetic phrases, or anything creative under the sun!

6. Think Fun

Some boat owners with more cheerful personalities go for more funny names, and you can opt for that, too. You can reference jokes or funny nautical-themed cartoons. Puns can be fun, like some boats named “Seas the Day” or “Sea Señor.”

7. Think Traditional

Owning a boat, boating, or fishing using it may be a tradition or hobby passed down to you from the past generations of your family. You may consider asking your living grandparents to name the boat for you in these situations. Or, if there is a traditional name or way of naming boats in your family, you may apply it to your ship as a sign of respect.

Where and How to Put Your Boat’s Name

Before proudly showing the world your boat’s name, consider where to put it in your boat. Positioning its name is essential when ensuring that it is clearly and easily seen wherever you sail. These are a few things to think about when designating the place of your boat’s name:

• Decide on the side of the boat to put the name in. Depending on your preference, usual seas that you venture, or typical routes you sail through, choose whether to put your boat’s name on the right (starboard) or left (port) side.

• On whichever side of the boat you choose to put a name, make sure you leave ample room from the top and a little more space from the bottom. This ensures that your boat’s name is still clearly seen even if the waves get strong.

• When writing the boat’s name, make sure you use clear, bold letters to make it legible.

• Get a company or artist to write the name of your boat for a professional touch.

• For more personalized work, you may opt to write the boat’s name yourself.