Do you want to rename your boat but don’t know if you should? Is it bad luck to rename a boat? And, if not, where did that belief come from? Here at the National Documentation Portal, we’ve helped so many vessel owners to rename their vessels without running afoul of any bad luck.
The belief that renaming a boat brings bad luck is a long-standing superstition. Of course, it is not based on any logical or scientific evidence. There are plenty of reasons to rename your boat to what you want it to be.
So, Is It Bad Luck to Rename a Boat?
The traditional belief behind this superstition is that boats, like people, have their own identities and spirits. By changing a boat’s name, it was believed that you would anger or confuse the boat’s spirit, leading to misfortune at sea. To avoid this, sailors would perform various rituals, such as renaming ceremonies or offerings to appease the boat’s spirit when changing its name. Now, we understand that all of this is superstition and not grounded in reality. Yet, a boat renaming ceremony is a great reason to have a party with friends and family.
Why May I Want to Rename My Boat?
Perhaps you purchased a used boat with an undesirable or inappropriate name, or you may simply want to give their boat a name that holds personal significance or reflects their personality. The truth is that a boat name is going to be associated with you. So, you want one that you’re not going to cringe or be ashamed of throughout the course of owning your boat.
What Makes a Good Boat Name?
When choosing a boat name, there are no hard and fast rules, but there are some considerations that can help in finding a good one. A good boat name often has personal significance to the owner. It could be a name that reflects your interests, hobbies, or values. Many boat owners choose names that have a nautical or maritime connection, such as referencing sea creatures, navigational terms, or famous boats and sailors. A unique and creative boat name can make it stand out and be memorable. It can be a play on words, a pun, or a clever combination of words. Not to point you too much in one direction or another, but a name with positive connotations can create a sense of optimism and good vibes.
Are There Any Boat Name Rules?
There are limits to how long your vessel name can be. It can’t be longer than 33 characters (including letters and numbers). Plus, it can’t be anything obscene or anything that sounds like words used to solicit assistance at sea. When it comes to those requirements, use your common sense.
How Can the National Documentation Portal Help?
Many vessel owners have used our site to name their vessels in their vessel documentation. By that same token, you can choose to rename your vessel at any time. You can use our site for that, too. To see all of the ways that we can help, click here.