BOAT NAMES

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Tips for finding the perfect name for your boat

Many new boat owners find inspiration for their boat names in a person, such as a loved one, spouse, sweetheart, parent, patron or children. Today, ideas for boat names can come from anywhere: places, things, professions or anything that means something to the owner. Much like vanity license plates, the boat name you choose provides a statement about who you are and what you want from your new pride and joy. Nonboaters will envy you; other boaters will instantly become your brethren. You will become a member of a special fraternity.

Here are some pointers when picking a name for your boat (some may seem very obvious, but bear repeating). Boat names should:

• Be easily recognizable over the radio. You dont want to be spelling it out repeatedly when you are in trouble.
• Fit on the back of your boat.
• Be something you are going to be comfortable with for a long time. Whether you are a racer or a casual cruiser, people associated with a specific boat are often referred to by the name of the boat and not their own names. Be personal and reflective of your personality and what you value.

Some of the most common categories or themes for boat names are:

• Men often will name their boat after their spouse. You shouldnt do this with casual romances, however, or you are left awkwardly explaining the origin of the name to future girlfriends. (Some superstitions say if you name a boat after your wife, shell get it in the divorce.)
• Boat names using wind and sea and all variations in combination (Wind Dancer, Second Wind, Sea Breeze, Sea Biscuit).
• The stars, night sky and constellations are also common choices (Orion, Stargazer, Little Dipper).
• The sun makes frequent appearances in boat names (Sunshine, Morning Sun, Sunkist).
• Greek, Roman, Egyptian mythology and the Zodiac can be a big source of inspiration (Pegasus, Aries, Neptune).
• As can the Bible, saints and religious terms (Noahs Ark, Genesis, Exodus, Ariel).
• Some sailors turn to nature and name their boats after their favourite wildlife (Sea Hawk, Osprey, Eagles Nest, Sea Wolf).
• Others find boat name ideas from liquor or wine (Tequila Sunrise, Rum Runner, Wine Cellar).

With boat names, the sky is the limit. You can look to themes like those above, or take a more humorous approach. Many people use play on words, clever misspellings or other adjustments to give an added personal touch.

More Resources for Boat Names

10,000 Boat Names http://www.10000boatnames.com - actually a database of about 15,000 boat names from all over the world

Boating Magazines Best Boat Names of 2003 http://www.boatingmag.com/article.asp?section_id=8&article_id=423 - it is in PDF format and you will Adobe Acrobat to read it)

Name Database & Directory http://www.lowchensaustralia.com/Names.htm - not specifically for boat names but includes lots of resources for inspiration

The Name Game http://www.boatus.com/news/namegame.htm - great article from BoatUS magazine that includes a list of tests you should perform with a potential boat name

Naming Your Boat http://www.oldmp.com/boatnames - an excellent book by author Joe Kilgore.

And for those nervous about the superstitions around renaming a boat here are some great articles for you:

Ceremony for Renaming Your Boat http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/rename.htm
The De-Naming Ceremony http://www.latitude38.com/features/dename.htm
Superstitions on Renaming a Boat http://www.globalpsychics.com/lp/Superstition/boat.htm

Resources for Boat Directories, Accessories and Supplies

Boat Supplies Guide - Resource for finding boating accessories and supplies online.

BoatingLinks.comWeb Directory, find what you're looking for!

"Water Sports" - A website devoted to water sports providing you with links, news, articles and interviews. http://www.aquaskier.com

"Boats for Sale" - Sell your boat with Boatsville classifieds, or you'll get your money back. http://www.boatsville.com

"Fishing Directory" - Worldwide links to stores, guides, manufacturers, reports and articles. http://www.fishing-boating.com

Nauticfriend.com: The Ultimate Water Sports Directory: The Best Links about sailing, scuba diving, Fishing, yachting, boating, sailing vacations and much more.

Safeboater.com: Boating Test - Safe Boater - Canada Boat Exam: The Safe Boater Training Program is Canadian Coast Guard accredited to Conduct Training, Administer Exam Testing and Issue Pleasure Craft Operator Certification.

We hope these ideas and resources help you pick the perfect name for your pride and joy, good luck and happy boating.

Preview and order your stock or custom boat name lettering here.