Knowing that naming a boat can sometimes be more difficult than selecting the boat itself, this section is offered as an example of how this website hopes to provide practical and useful information:

We see some truly weird names and often, these are clever and funny indicators of the owner’s lifestyle (or lack of it). Don’t believe it? Try some of these real examples:

“Artful Dodger” “Alimony” “The Office” “My Career” “Lookfornuki”

“Wishful Thinking” “Titan Uranus” ”Seacock” “WetWork”

Some believe it's bad luck to re-name a boat. Fortunately, there is a time-honoured method around this. First, obliterate all records of the boat's previous name. Literally throw out all logs, charts, receipts, key chains, life rings, and remove any name lettering from the boat itself. Often, it is cheaper and easier to keep the name and change the boat

You must notify the maritime authorities, insurance company, coastguard etc of the name change or you may never be allowed to come ashore in any port again – ever. The “Flying Dutchman” tale was a true story – in his case, he merely forgot to tell his wife. He actually came out of this well, as those who have been through a divorce will appreciate. Better to keep the boat and lose the spouse than the other way around.

There are many traditions associated with the naming ceremony. These include sailing backwards across the equator as you throw the nameplates and ship’s log overboard. For those not near the equator, perhaps a local ocean may be substituted, but remember, you have been warned. Regardless, you will need lots of (Real) champagne, several friends (if you have any), perhaps your family (optional) and some pets (dogs, cats, birds, horses etc) to create a convivial mood. A small quantity (a glass at most) must be tipped over the side as homage to King Neptune. Then be sure to consume the rest of the Champagne or risk bringing bad luck to the occasion (as distinct from the following day when you will probably crash the boat anyway) Be sure to shout the new boat name VERY LOUDLY and FREQUENTLY to each of the Cardinal points of the compass. This task is best performed in a crowded anchorage at or just before daylight.

Applying vinyl lettering by BOATNAMES -Leaders in lettering, striping & graphics

What you will need :
- Acetone
- Spray bottle
- Roll of 2" masking tape
- Squeegee (supplied)
- Dish washing liquid
Mix 2 small drops of dish washing liquid with 24 ounces of water in a spray bottle.
Surface Preparation
Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before applying any boat names or graphics. Make sure there is no wax or oil residue on the surface. Acetone can be used as a final wipe down after the surface has been cleaned.
Application
1. Tape the graphic to the desired location. Apply a horizontal strip of 2" masking tape to the top of the graphic, the masking tape will act as a hinge. Separating the letters will help make the application process more manageable especially if you are applying long or large lettering. Make your cuts after you have applied the masking tape to insure that all the letters will be level. Flip the graphic up to test the hinge, make sure it is not going to fall off.
OR
2. Lift the bottom edge of the graphic up and spray the soapy water mix onto the boat surface behind the graphic. Keep holding the graphic away from the surface. (The soapy water mix will prevent the lettering from adhering to the surface unintentionally and will also allow you to lift and replace the lettering if necessary)
3. Still holding the graphic away from the surface, remove the release liner from the back of the lettering exposing the adhesive back of the lettering. If you are applying long boat names we recommend a helper at this point.
OR
4. *Make sure the soapy water has not dried up. Slowly lower the lettering onto the surface, holding the bottom edge taut about 1 inch off the boats surface. Do not let the entire graphic fall onto the surface. Watch for lines or creases developing in the lettering during this process , if this happens the water mix should allow you to quickly lift up the lettering and retry. Start to squeegee the lettering working from the top down. The idea is to drive the water and any air bubbles out from underneath the lettering.
5. Once the boat lettering is laying flat on the boat surface start to squeegee from the center of the lettering moving outwards. At this point you are trying to force out any remaining water and air bubbles from underneath the lettering. Use a firm force with the squeegee.
6. It is now time to remove the transfer paper. First remove the masking tape and lightly spray down the transfer paper with the soapy water mix. Wait for a minute for the transfer paper to soften, this will help you to remove the transfer paper without pulling the letters up. Now slowly remove the transfer paper by pulling it up and back, do this slowly and watch that you are not pulling up the letters.
7. If you are left with any bubbles in the vinyl lettering you can pop them with a pin point and press the water out. Any small amounts of water trapped behind the letters will eventually evaporate.