“Boaty McBoatface.” This is the name the internet chose in a poll for a $200+ million research vessel. Yes, sometimes the internet is a strange, wonderful place. Though the research council that held the poll decided to go for “The RSS Sir David Attenborough” instead (yawn), the sky’s the limit when it comes to naming a boat.
Though it’s definitely one of the more fun aspects of boat ownership, you may not have considered some of the nunces and benefits of naming a boat something memorable.
Facts to Consider When Naming a Boat
- Worried about picking a name that’s already chosen? Don’t fret. There is no law dictating that your name has to be original.
- You are not mandated to have your name on the hull of your boat, but if you do, lettering must be at least four inches in height.
- Consider naming it after a person. Though it’s a cliche, applying a gender to your boat could have the psychological effect of making you take better care of it. You just may take better care of “Jessica” than you would “Torpedo Chaser 5000.”
- Don’t pick a name that’s a play on illegal or reckless activity. Yes, police officers will notice and, no, they probably won’t find your pun on drugs, alcohol or speeding very funny.
- OK, now this is more for those of us who still step over cracks and avoid the paths of black cats, but there is a time-honored tradition that you may want to follow: NEVER rename a boat without having a proper renaming ceremony.
- Putting your name on your boat can make it more easily identifiable in emergency situations.
Naming a boat is not just fun — it’s a fundamental step towards making your boat truly yours. So, whether you go for “Boaty McBoatface” or “Betty,” make sure you pick a name that’s just right for you. We’ll see you on the water.
