You’ve finally joined the ranks of happy boat owners, and you’re excited to begin your adventures on the water. You recently bought all your required safety gear, and outfitted the cabin in your favorite color scheme. You even splurged on some of the latest electronics.
However, you haven’t yet ordered your boat name decals, as you still haven’t decided on the vessel’s name. Here are five valuable tips that can help you to discover some good boat names.
Match the Boat’s and Owner’s Personalities
Every boat has a unique personality. For example, a graceful-looking sailboat might conjure up images of an elegant lady in a flowing gown. Or, maybe the boat resembles a high-flying seabird that soars through the air. Or, a spritely looking weekender sailboat can make you think of a lively little child skipping through the waves.
On the other hand, let’s say your passion is fishing, so you’re eyeing a 20ish center console that’s outfitted for coastal and near-shore fishing gambits. You visualize the boat as a larger predator fish. Or, you prefer a finely outfitted motor yacht that really commands the waves – and does it with jaw-dropping style.
Now, how about your own personality? Are you a Type A high achiever who is always looking for a new challenge? Or do you enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle that includes tending your garden or spending quality time with your dog? When you can sync the boat’s personality with your own, the best boat names will magically appear.
Consider Your Profession or Favorite Hobby
Maybe your boat is an extension of your professional persona. If you’re a physician, for example, you might name your boat “Aqua Doc” or “Knot on Call.” If you’re a fine jewelry dealer, you might consider names such as “Diamond in the Rough” or “Sapphire.” And if you’re a champion Major League Baseball player, you might captain a boat called ‘Triple Play.”
Get Inspiration from a Nautical Song or Movie
Maybe you heard a catchy nautical song years ago, and you knew it would make a great boat name. Think “Calypso, “Cool Change,” or “Kokomo.”
Or, you saw an amazing boating movie some time ago, and you were captivated by the vessel on the silver screen. You swore you would someday have that iconic name on your own vessel. Think “Wanderer,” “Orca,” “Geronimo,” or other cool boat names.
Entertain Your Fellow Boaters
If you enjoy making people laugh, consider a name that draws a smile everywhere you go. “Never Again VI” immediately comes to mind. Other funny boat names include “Kids Inheritance,” “Unsinkable II,” “Shaken Not Stirred,” and “Bacon in the Sun.”
Of course, choosing a family-friendly boat name is advisable. Although you’ll see plenty of R-rated boat names on the high seas, you might not want to put them on your own vessel. If you have young children in the family, this is especially important.
Keep the Boat’s Name Very Brief
Above all, choose a boat name comprised of two words or less. In a stretch, three words might work. Remember, the name must fit on the boat’s transom, and the letters must be large enough to be easily readable.
When you use the VHF radio, you’ll need to repeat the name three times when hailing another vessel. During a boating emergency, you may need to call marine rescue, a towing service, or the United States Coast Guard.
If you get tongue-tied when stating your boat’s name under normal conditions, imagine rattling it off when you’re anxious or in a high-stress situation. To avoid that discomfort, look for unique boat names that are also simple to pronounce.
Once you choose the perfect boat name, you won’t want to share it with anyone else in your home port. That’s where Boat Name Registry (BNR) can help. Click here to learn more about the benefits of becoming a BNR member.
