How Big Is A 12-Inch Name On A Boat?

Naming a boat is a time-honoured tradition that dates back to Biblical times. There are many factors to consider when choosing a name, from the boat's size and type to its personality and your own values and hobbies. The name should be catchy and unique but not obscene, indecent, or profane. It should also be easy to communicate over the VHF radio and short enough to fit on the transom. While there are no set rules on boat names, some believe it's tacky to name smaller boats.

Rules and regulations for boat names

Naming a boat is a long-standing tradition, and there are several rules and regulations to follow. Firstly, the name cannot exceed 33 characters, and it must not be a distress signal or contain any obscene, indecent, or profane language. It should also not include any racial or ethnic slurs. The name should be displayed clearly on both sides of the boat and on the superstructure, with lettering at least four inches in height. It is also considered good luck to name the boat before its first launch and to include the name on all related documents.

While there are no official rules regarding the content of boat names, there are some unofficial boat-naming traditions. For example, boats are traditionally given female names, and it is considered good practice to give the boat a name that reflects your interests or hobbies. The name should also be short and memorable and roll off the tongue.

Boat naming traditions

Naming a boat is a serious business. Boat naming is a tradition that dates back over a thousand years, when sailors named vessels after gods, goddesses, or saints, hoping to bring good fortune to their travels.

The Tradition of Boat Naming

Today, boat names usually relate to something personal to the owner or their family, or represent some point of regional or national pride. Names can be inspired by a variety of things, including:

• A sweetheart or loved one
• A struggle that has been overcome or a quest that is about to begin
• A joke or a pun
• A favourite cocktail, drink, or type of wind
• A literary reference, a pop-culture reference, or a musical reference
• A place, a city, or a monarch
• A winning lottery ticket, a company, or a god

Superstitions and Traditions

There are several superstitions and traditions associated with boat naming. One is that it is bad luck to change the name of a boat. According to myth, the name of every ship that exists or has ever existed is recorded in the Ledger of the Deep, which is known to Poseidon or Neptune, the god of the sea. To change a boat's name, one must first purge its original name from every record and object associated with the boat, then perform a ceremony to transfer the new name.

Another superstition is that boats are always referred to as "she" or "her", even though their names do not always reflect a feminine gender. This may be because the word for "ship" in the languages of the Mediterranean was feminine, or because boats were traditionally given female names.

Rules for Boat Names

According to USCG Documentation regulations, boat names:

• Must not be more than 33 characters
• May not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea
• May not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets

Superstitions and taboos for boat names

Firstly, it is considered bad luck to sail on a boat without a name. This is one of the most common superstitions and is taken seriously by sailors. It is also considered unlucky to rename a boat unless the old name is completely erased and the proper purging and renaming ceremonies are performed. This is to avoid incurring the wrath of the sea god, Neptune, who, according to legend, has recorded the name of every ship in the 'Ledger of the Deep'.

When choosing a name, it is important to avoid hubris and arrogance. Names like 'Victory', 'Millionaire', or 'Hurricane' are thought to tempt the ocean and its gods. In many cultures, whistling at sea is also considered taboo, as it is said to bring misfortune.

In some regions, certain names are considered unlucky. For example, the name 'Seal' is common for boats in the United States, but it would be considered bad luck in Scotland due to the presence of seals and selkies in Scottish folklore. Similarly, the French believe that having the colour green on a boat brings misfortune.

There are also superstitions surrounding the launch of a new boat. In ancient times, sacrifices were made to the gods, and even today, sailors perform a christening ceremony where champagne is drunk and a bottle is broken against the bow. It is considered bad luck if the bottle does not break on the first attempt.

Other taboos include sailing on a Friday, which is said to bring bad luck, and having bananas on board an English boat.

Boat naming traditions have evolved over time. In the past, boats were typically named after important female figures or women who were significant to the captain. Today, boat names often reflect something personal to the owner, their family, or regional pride, and many people also choose humorous names.

How to change a boat name

Changing a boat's name is a serious business. Superstition dictates that it's bad luck to change a boat's name, but if you must, there is a ceremony to follow to avoid angering the gods of the sea.

Firstly, remove all traces of the boat's current name. This includes any items bearing the name, such as documents, decor, nameboards, and life rings. Check log books, maintenance documents, and even the hull for the name. You can burn these items or use white-out fluid to obscure the name. Write the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag, which will later be dropped into the sea as part of the ceremony.

Secondly, perform a ceremony to appease the gods of the sea and the winds. This involves reciting specific words to Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea, and the four wind gods: Boreas, Zephyrus, Eurus, and Notus. You will also need a bottle of champagne, which you will pour into the sea as a libation during the ceremony.

"Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name [insert old boat name], which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name, to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea."

Drop the metal tag into the sea and say:

"In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court."

Pour at least half the bottle of champagne into the sea from east to west and share the rest with any friends who are witnessing the ceremony.

Next, you will need to address Poseidon again to ask him to accept the boat's new name:

"Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as [say the new name], guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm."

Pour another bottle of champagne into the sea from west to east, keeping one glass for yourself and one for your mate.

Finally, address the four wind gods to ask for fair winds and calm seas:

"Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel [insert new boat name] the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs."

Address each wind god individually, facing the corresponding direction and pouring a glass of champagne into the sea as a libation.

Once the ceremony is complete, you can bring items with the new name onto the boat.

Note: It is considered bad luck to name a boat after the sea or storms, as this is tempting the ocean to send its forces against you.

Examples of boat names

Boat names can be creative, funny, or unique. Some people prefer to name their boats after their loved ones, usually their wives or daughters, to show their love and respect. Others may opt for names that reflect their interests, hobbies, or favourite pop culture references. Some boat owners might also want to consider the colour of their vessel and its intended use when deciding on a name.

• The Lady of the Lake
• Fishing for Compliments
• Moor Often Than Knot
• Inversion of the Curve
• Wicked Witch of the North
• Aladdin’s Treasure
• Bacchus
• Around the World in 79 Days
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• Knight Of The Caribbean
• Poseidon
• Phixius
• The Salty Hippo
• The Sirens Sorrow
• Brass Leviathan
• The Kreaky Kraken
• Plunder and Lightning
• The Skid mark
• Witch of November
• Second Wind
• Wind Chaser
• White Album
• Zimbabalooba!
• Kobayashi Maru
• The Codfather
• The Salty Swallow
• Knot A Day Goes By
• Fighting Lady
• The Belfry
• Gray Ghost
• Deez Knotts
• The Sailor Swift
• Face Down Aft Up
• Reef or Madness
• The Rumham
• Chronic Boom
• The Skid mark
• The Birthright

Frequently asked questions