Why is the struggle to name a boat greater than it was with my first born child? One would think it would be easy. The boat will never turn 18 and threaten to change it. It will never speak back or even pass judgement on whether it was a good name. So, why the struggle?
Perhaps it’s the finality of it all. The writing on the side. You don’t write your child’s name on their forehead for the world to see. Perhaps it’s the judgement felt from a passersby as they stare at the name and silently question the meaning. Whatever the reason, the struggle is real. Here I sit 5 days after closing on our first sailboat, still indecisive and torn on a name. My family is fed up and no longer issues opinions. Which may be a silver lining actually, now that I think about it.
After much deliberation, here are a few things I have concluded. I don’t want a common name. Meaning I don’t want there to be more than a few pages of boats listed with the same name.
TIP 1:
You’re able to look up registered vessels on this website. This way you can see how many vessels already exist with the name you want.
MARITIME INFORMATION EXCHANGE:
https://cgmix.uscg.mil/PSIX/PSIXSearch.aspx
I don’t want more than two words to the name, with one being preferred. I want the name to have a story or invoke some sort of sentimentality. It also needs to incorporate well into a logo of some kind that is unique and meaningful. See, no pressure at all.
For those of you out that are also struggling to name your boat, here are some additional resources that I have found helpful.
TIP 2:
Play with words you like and search for alternate words or words that rhyme.
Reverse Dictionary https://reversedictionary.org/
Rhyme Zone https://www.rhymezone.com/ (great for alliterations)
Word Hippo https://www.wordhippo.com/
At this stage my family has just ruled names OUT, but I’m confident that I will come to a decision shortly. Otherwise, my family will.
For those of you questioning our motives and the risk we are taking (hello Poseidon’s wrath) in changing a boat’s name, don’t worry. We literally went to Greece and visited with Poseidon in Sounion. My husband was adamant in asking his permission and he claims he got it. Don’t worry, we intend to follow the (somewhat ridiculous) ceremony involved when officially making the change.
That’s assuming we ever come to an agreement on what to name our boat. I hope you’re more successful than us, thus far.