10 Things to Consider When Naming Your Boat

One of the best things about getting a new boat is naming it. But, similar to naming a pet (or even a baby), this can feel like a big decision.  

This name represents you when you're out on the water or docked in the harbor with your friends. It has to be perfect. 

Naming your boat might not seem like a big deal, but that doesn't take away the dread or urgency. We have talked about the ideal name before but this is things that you really should consider when naming the new craft.

If you've been sitting there with an unnamed vessel after your most recent boat purchase, agonizing over the best name, we'd like to help you out. We've got a few tips for making your new boat really feel like "you". 

Keep reading for 10 things to consider when you're naming your new boat. 

1. Consider Going Traditional

People have been naming boats for as long as there have been boats to name. Why not pick a classic and follow in the footsteps of sailors past? 

There are a few ways to go about this. One is to take some classic old-timey boat names straight from the boats themselves. How do you feel about the Flying Dutchman? 

Otherwise, you can name your boat after a god or goddess to "protect you" while out at sea. 

Plenty of them have cool and recognizable names, and the security of the potential watchful eye of a deity can't hurt. 

2. Try Not to Offend

When picking out a name, it can be tempting to go for something a little bit saucy or vulgar. Remember, though, you're not the only person who's going to see or hear the name of the boat.

If it's not something you would say in mixed company, consider whether or not you want it representing you and anyone else you bring with you. 

3. Make it Memorable

You're going to be remembered by the name on your boat more than the name that you were given by your parents, at least by other boaters.

Making your name something difficult to remember isn't helpful to you or anyone else. Trial a few names with your friends and see which ones stick in their heads the easiest. That might be your winner. 

4. Get a Little Superstitious 

So we're not saying we're superstitious, but sometimes it might be best to exercise a bit of caution just in case. 

It might be funny to name your ship after a famous shipwreck or other memorable ships from history. People will get the joke and have a good laugh. Just keep in mind what reputation you're bringing with you when you name your ship "The Titanic".

Superstitions are silly (though common amongst boaters), but why take the chance? 

5. Check the Other Local Boaters

Have you ever arrived to a party wearing the exact same thing as someone else? Awkward. One of you has to change.

Embody that idea when you're choosing the name of your boat. 

There are so many boats in the world that it's very likely that your name will match the name of someone else in the world. That said, try to at least not match the other boats in your harbor or even your city.

This can be confusing and annoying to boaters, and it can cause problems when it comes to any potential issues with the coast guard. If they have to find your boat, you don't want 3 other boats with similar names floating around nearby.

6. Keep it Brief

Listen, you might have a big boat with a lot of room for text, but that doesn't mean that your name has to be a paragraph. Keeping it short, sweet, and to the point is going to be more memorable (and cheaper). 

No one is going to remember a name that's more than a few words long. Remember: being memorable is one of the most important factors. 

7. Consider Family Members 

Naming your boat after a special family member is a great way to honor the boat and the person. 

A mother is a great choice for this. Similarly, children or grandchildren. These people are likely always going to be special in your life, so marking your boat with their names is paying homage to them.

Keeping your child or grandchild with you while you're out on the water will be nice for you and it might make them feel special too. 

8. Name it After a Partner...if You Dare

You know how some people get their partner's name tattooed on them and then when things go awry they have to do some kind of subtle cover job or live with it forever?

That same idea applies here.

It's commonplace to name a boat after a special man or woman in your life, but make sure this person is in it for the long haul before you take that route. 

9. Try a Pun

Boaters love puns. Puns are memorable and short, the perfect combination for boat names. 

You're looking for something aquatic and silly but still witty enough to not feel embarrassed about it. 

If you have a few favorite phrases, see if you can't give them some sea legs. 

10. Pick a Favorite Song or Movie

Joining together with number 9, merging a favorite song or movie title with a boat pun kills 2 birds with 1 stone. 

You don't have to do that, though. Any name will do as long as it sounds catchy. It's better yet if the name can somehow be tied to boating or water. 

Blue Lagoon, anyone? 

Naming Your Boat Can Be Fun!

Naming your boat doesn't have to be a big deal. Brainstorm with some friends and see what you all come up with. You'll wind up with a great pool of boat names to choose from in no time. 

Once you have your name picked out its time to think about keeping your new boat clean.  Take a look at our whole line of boat cleaning and boat accessories.  We would love to be out on the water with you.