Getting a new (or new to you) boat is an exciting experience. You imagine all the enjoyable trips you’ll take with family and friends, and you look forward to some solo time during which you can rest and relax.
Before you can head out on the high seas, though, you must give the new vessel a fitting name. With so many good boat names available, you’ll have lots of options at your fingertips. While you consider your choices, avoid these seven boat-naming snafus that could cause you embarrassment…or worse.
Don’t Run Afoul of United States Coast Guard Regulations
Regardless of the boat size or type, the United States Coast Guard has enacted a set of boat name documentation regulations. If you have a documented boat, adhere to these regulations.
First, a boat name may not be longer than 33 characters. In addition, the name cannot be actually or phonetically identical to any words that you may use to solicit assistance while at sea. The name may not contain or be phonetically identical to racial or ethnic epithets or to profane, indecent, or obscene language.
Don’t Skip the All-important Boat-Naming Ceremony
Although your boat-naming ceremony will only take a few minutes, you might be tempted to skip the occasion. Your super-packed schedule barely allows you time to eat and sleep.
Don’t fall victim to that temptation. It will likely anger the gods of the wind and the sea, and you don’t want to get them annoyed. And, it’s simply considered bad luck to sail on a nameless boat, especially with so many cool boat names available.
Don’t Rename a Boat Without Correctly Denaming It
Let’s say you look through all the best boat names, and you decide to rename your boat. Or, maybe you purchased a previously owned boat, and the existing name rubs you the wrong way.
If you decide to rename your boat for either reason, follow all recommended renaming procedures. Yes, you’ll have to remove all traces of the old name from the boat, and that may take some time. However, failing to do so may cause bad luck to travel with you on the high seas.
Avoid a Name Linked to a Seagoing Tragedy
Stay away from boat names that are associated with a major seagoing tragedy. In that vein, avoid naming your boat Titanic, Lusitania, Andrea Gail, Andrea Doria, or a similar name that conjures up memories of a nautical disaster. Use similar caution with boats involved in regional boating accidents.
Stay Away from Arrogant-sounding Boat Names
Don’t choose a name that sounds like you’re itching for a fight with the elements. Boat names such as Hurricane or Cyclone might be offensive to Poseidon, the legendary god of the sea.
Don’t Consider Offensive or Off-color Boat Names
If you’re searching for funny boat names, you’ll probably find some that will give you a good chuckle. However, you’ll also come across some off-color boat names that you probably wouldn’t repeat in front of a child.
Finally, certain boat names might come across as sarcastic or offensive. So, before you pick a boat name that sounds amusing, step back and think about how it sounds to other boaters.
Don’t Use Your Significant Other’s Name Without Consent
Before you name your boat after your wife or significant other, step back and decide if that’s a wise move. Maybe she doesn’t especially enjoy boating. Or, perhaps she’s a private person who doesn’t want her name plastered on the boat. Respect her wishes, and keep looking through unique boat names until you find one that fits.
Once you select the ideal boat name, you might not want to see that name on other vessels in your home port. That’s where Boat Name Registry comes in. Click here to learn how we can help to protect your boat name.
