Documented Boat Names: Finding the Right One and Keeping It

documented boat names

Have you been stumped in trying to think of a good boat name? Does it seem like every name for your boat just doesn’t quite fit? Well-documented boat names resonate with the owner and reflect their character, personality, or aspirations associated with the vessel. It should be memorable, unique, and meaningful to the owner. At our vessel documentation site, you can choose a name for your vessel and, if you so choose, can change that name, too. 

Why Give a Boat a Name (Beyond Reasons of Documentation) 

As a boat is often a symbol of personal identity and lifestyle, choosing the right name allows the owner to express their individuality all while creating a personal connection with their vessel. The name of a boat can convey a message, evoke emotions, or spark conversations with other boaters. A clever or interesting boat name can be a great conversation starter or source of amusement. Beyond that, naming a boat can also be a way to honor a loved one, pay tribute to a meaningful event, or preserve a family legacy. It allows owners to create a lasting memory and connect their boat’s name to personal or historical significance.

Why Would Someone Change the Name of Their Boat? 

When purchasing a used boat, the new owner might want to change the boat’s name to align with their own preferences and identity, or just to create a fresh start with the vessel. That said,  some boaters believe that renaming a boat is bad luck. According to maritime superstition, renaming a boat requires a ceremony to appease the gods of the sea and ensure the boat’s safety and good fortune. What’s important to remember is that, if you wish to change the name of your documented vessel, you can do so for any reason you so desire.

Why Did People Start Naming Boats in the First Place? 

The history of naming boats dates back centuries and varies across different cultures. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, named their boats after gods, goddesses, or mythical creatures, often seeking their protection on the water. In European naval tradition, boats were given female names, personifying them as feminine entities. This tradition carried over to modern boating, where boats are still often referred to as “she” or given feminine names.

documented boat names

How Can the National Documentation Portal Help With a Boat Name and More? 

When you fill out your initial documentation form through our site, you can choose the name of your vessel. Then, if at any time, you wish to change the name of your boat, you can find the appropriate form for that at our site as well. Additionally, you can find the forms you might want throughout the course of owning a vessel, whether you’re looking to renew your documentation, apply for a Preferred Ship’s Mortgage, and more. To see everything that we have to offer, we invite you to check out the rest of our site.