The Art Of Naming Boats: A Guide To Boat Naming Etiquette

Naming a boat is a time-honoured tradition, steeped in superstition and lore. It is said that sailors named their vessels after deities and saints, hoping for good fortune and smooth sailing. While the rules for recreational boats are more relaxed, commercial boats are required to have a name, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The name should be displayed clearly on the boat and included in all relevant documents. When choosing a name, it is essential to keep it brief, easy to communicate, and unique to your vessel.

Boat names are capitalised and italicised

When writing the name of a boat or ship, it is important to note that the name should be capitalised and italicised. This is a style choice that is used to set boats and ships apart from other, less adventurous modes of travel. For example, the name of the world's largest Viking ship currently sailing is presented as *Draken Harald Hårfagre*, with both the name of the ship and its prefix in capitals and the whole name italicised.

According to The Chicago Manual of Style, section 8.115, "Names of specific ships and other vessels are both capitalized and italicized". This means that whether you are writing about a boat or a ship, the name should always be treated in the same way. For example, the names "Lady Princess's Floating Palace", "Stan's Ocean Behemoth" and "Divorce Paper Dinghy" are all italicised and in capitals.

When writing about military ships, if the name includes a prefix such as HMS (British) or SS (United States), the prefix should not be italicised. However, the rest of the name should be in italics. For example, "HMS Victory" and "SS Edmund Fitzgerald" are both written with the prefix in capitals and without italics, and the rest of the name in capitals and italics.

It is worth noting that some style guides, such as the Associated Press Stylebook and the U.S. Navy Style Guide, do not recommend italicising boat or ship names. However, the U.S. Government Publishing Office Manual does recommend using italics for boat and ship names.

Prefixes are not italicised

Naming a boat is a special and exciting task, and there are a few rules and traditions to follow. Firstly, it is required by the U.S. Coast Guard to identify your boat with a name and hailing port on both documents and physically on the boat. While this rule is mandatory for commercial boats, it is a fun tradition for recreational boats.

Now, when it comes to the formatting of boat names, there are a few specific style guidelines to follow. One such rule pertains to the italicization of boat names and their prefixes. Proper names of boats, ships, and other vessels are generally italicized, similar to how we italicize titles. However, it is important to note that prefixes are treated differently.

Prefixes such as "U.S.S." or "H.M.S." should not be italicized. While these prefixes are capitalized, they are not italicized when appearing before the name of a vessel. For example, "John built a small model of the U.S.S. Voyager." Here, "U.S.S." is not italicized. However, if the prefix is part of a title, such as in the musical "H.M.S. Pinafore," then the entire title, including the prefix, is italicized.

This rule about prefixes not being italicized also applies to other contexts, such as chemical nomenclature. In chemistry, certain prefixes like "sec-" and "tert-" are italicized, while others like "iso-" and "neo-" are not. This variation in italicization serves to differentiate these prefixes and their roles in naming chemical compounds.

So, when naming your boat, remember that while the name itself may be italicized, any prefixes should not be. This is a specific style guideline that helps maintain consistency and clarity in writing and boat nomenclature.

The name should be displayed on both sides of the boat

Displaying your boat's name on both sides is a crucial aspect of boat naming etiquette. This tradition not only adds a personal touch but also serves a practical purpose. Here are some reasons why the name should be displayed on both sides of the boat:

Visibility and Identification

The name displayed on both sides of the boat ensures clear visibility from multiple angles. This helps other boaters identify your vessel, fostering a sense of community on the water. It also aids in emergency situations, as people can easily identify your boat and provide assistance if needed.

Tradition and Superstition

Boat naming has a long history, rooted in tradition and superstition. Displaying the name on both sides honours this time-honoured custom. According to seafaring legends, it is considered bad luck to rename a boat, and certain name choices are believed to bring misfortune. By adhering to the tradition of displaying the name on both sides, you respect these superstitions and invoke a sense of protection for your vessel and crew.

Compliance with Guidelines

In some countries, such as the United States, commercial boats are required by the Coast Guard to have their names displayed. While the rules may be less stringent for recreational boats, following these guidelines ensures compliance and avoids any legal issues. Displaying the name on both sides helps identify your boat and fosters a sense of pride in ownership.

Aesthetics and Personality

A well-displayed name on both sides of the boat enhances its aesthetics and reflects your taste. It adds to the boat's personality and makes it stand out from the rest. A unique and carefully chosen name, presented with bold and clear lettering, becomes a conversation starter among fellow boaters and enthusiasts.

Practical Considerations

When displaying the name on both sides, it is essential to ensure that the lettering does not interfere with registration numbers or other important information. This helps avoid confusion and adheres to legal requirements. Additionally, consider using bold and clear lettering that can withstand various weather conditions, ensuring visibility even in rain or fog.

Boat names can be customised to make them unique

Another way to customise your boat's name is by drawing inspiration from your favourite songs, movies, or other cultural works. This can add a touch of flair and nostalgia to your maritime adventures. You can also incorporate your profession or hobby into the name, which can add a layer of significance and personality. For example, "Knot on Call" for a physician's vessel or "Doctor's Orders" for a boat owned by medical professionals.

When naming your boat, you can also consider incorporating a familiar name, such as your family name or that of a loved one. This adds a personal touch and symbolises the unity and camaraderie experienced during your maritime adventures. You can also draw inspiration from mythology, literature, or personal experiences.

It is important to note that there are some things to avoid when naming your boat. According to seafaring legends, it is bad luck to rename a boat or give it a name that begins with "O". Additionally, it is considered good etiquette to avoid using offensive or obscene language, and to keep the name within 33 characters.

Names should be displayed creatively

Boat names can be displayed in a variety of creative ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Unique and Creative Fonts

Using a unique and creative font is a great way to make your boat's name stand out. You can choose a font that resembles classic narrowboat lettering, such as “Tuscan,” or go for something more modern and extravagant. Adding 3-D drop shadows or other special effects to the lettering can also make it more eye-catching.

Artwork and Graphics

Incorporating artwork or graphics alongside your boat's name can make it more visually appealing. For example, you could include a small graphic of a drunk hen next to the name "Speckled Hen."

Wordplay and Puns

Using wordplay or puns in your boat's name can add a touch of humour and creativity. For instance, "Morning Flatulance," "Shy Tauk," and "Sir Osis of the River" are all playful names that are sure to bring a smile to people's faces.

Personal Connections and Inside Jokes

If you have a personal connection to the name or it holds a special meaning for you, this can make your boat's name more creative and unique. For example, "Indecision" was chosen by a couple because it suited the husband's personality, and it was inspired by a Jimmy Buffett song lyric.

Cultural References

Referencing a cultural icon, a literary work, or a song lyric can make your boat's name creative and memorable. For instance, "Floridays," "Caribbean Soul," and "Pink Crustacean" all evoke a sense of fun and adventure.

Remember, when choosing a boat name, it's important to ensure it's not too long, especially if you plan to use it on the VHF radio. You also want to avoid names that might be embarrassing or challenging to pronounce in an emergency. Most importantly, choose a name that suits your personality and the spirit of your boat!

Frequently asked questions