Can you just rename a boat?
Of course, renaming a boat is not something to be done lightly, or without thought. But with this traditional boat renaming ceremony, you can rename your boat without fear of angering the gods. You can also check out our list of the best boat names for some inspiration.
What is the ritual for renaming a boat?

Renaming a boat consists of six parts: 1) removing every trace of the old name, 2) performing a purging ceremony, 3) performing a renaming ceremony, 4) making a sacrifice, 5) appeasing the four wind gods, and 6) toasting to the new name.
Why is it unlucky to rename a boat?
Legend says that when every ship is christened, its name goes into a “Ledger of the Deep” maintained by Neptune (or Poseidon) himself. Renaming a ship or boat means you’re trying to slip something past the gods and you will be punished for your deviousness.
Can I name my boat whatever I want?
You can name your boat anything you want to and my opinion is just that. And that opinion is that a name should be one word sometimes two, but one if you can do it. Under no circumstances should it be a whole sentence. I miss the days of boats with real names like, Victory, Ranger, Dauntless, and Endeavor.

What are the rules for naming a boat?
Boat names should be kept very brief—usually to a single word or two, and on rare occasions three words. Remember that it should be short enough to fit on a transom, and easily understood during a VHF radio broadcast. 2. Traditionally, naming a boat after a special woman in your life was considered appropriate.
Why do you christen a ship with champagne?
Many vessels have been christened with other liquids, including whiskey and holy water, but champagne remains the standard to this day. It’s traditionally supposed to be good luck to both the ship and her crew to break a bottle of champagne over the bow of a new vessel.
How do you rename a boat without bad luck?
How to Rename a Boat
- Remove all traces of the current name.
- Begin the purging ceremony.
- Begin the renaming ceremony.
- Appease the four wind gods.
- If you have champagne left, indulge in honor of completing the ceremony.
Is it good luck to name your boat?
It’s tradition, and it’s luck. Boat naming started over a thousand years ago, when sailors named vessels after gods, goddesses or saints hoping to bring good fortune to their travels. The wrong name was the difference between good luck and being lost at sea.
Are there rules for naming a boat?
boat names must not be more than 33 characters. It may not be identical, actually or phonetically, to any word or words used to solicit assistance at sea; may not contain or be phonetically identical to obscene, indecent, or profane language, or to racial or ethnic epithets.
Can I name my boat after another boat?
In most places, there are no regulations prohibiting boaters from giving their vessels the same name as other boats. In the U.S., boats must have unique hull ID numbers.
Can 2 boats have the same name?
Yes, several boats can use the same name because watercrafts are identified by hull number. In the U.S., UK, and many other countries, several boats can use the same name even if they are the same model.
How do you dedicate a boat?
Modern christening ceremonies consist of saying a few words about the boat, toasting to the honor of the new boat’s name and then breaking a bottle of champagne against the boat’s bow—or pouring the contents onto the bow. The entire process usually takes less than five minutes.
What is good luck on a boat?
For sailors in full uniform, it is considered good luck to touch one’s collar while on the water. Boating lore tells us that saints can be a great source of help during dangerous situations on the water.
Is it bad to rename a boat?
One of those superstitions is renaming a boat. Historically it’s been considered bad luck to change the name of a boat. However, if you absolutely must change the name of a boat, a purging and renaming ceremony must be completed before the name is revealed or anything with the new name enters the boat.
What is the tradition of naming a boat?
Why can’t you have bananas on a boat?
Dangerous cargo The banana superstition dates all the way back to the 1700s, when many lost or ill-fated ships were noted to have been carrying bananas to their destination. It is perhaps because of this occurrence that bananas became known as omens of danger and misfortune for ships.
How to rename a boat?
Remove all traces of the current name. Begin the purging ceremony. Begin the renaming ceremony. Appease the four wind gods. If you have champagne left, indulge in honor of completing the ceremony. 1. Remove all traces of the current name. Start by taking any and every item bearing the boat’s name off the boat.
What happens after the boat renaming ceremony?
After the boat renaming ceremony, a final christening of the new boat name is conducted. The traditional boat christening ceremony involves breaking a bottle of wine or champagne on the bow of a boat. The captain of the vessel then proclaims “I christen thee…” followed by the name of the new boat.
How to rename a boat in the ledger of the deep?
Poseidon has the name of every (and we do mean every) vessel ever launched recorded in the Ledger of the Deep. Therefore, if you want the boat to carry a new name, you need to purge it not just from the ledger, but also from Poseidon’s mind. Here’s how to ensure renaming a boat succeeds. Remove all traces of the current name.
What gods are involved in boat renaming ceremonies?
Sailors may also want to include gods of the wind in their ceremony – Boreas of the North Wind, Zephyrus of the West Wind, Eurus of the East Wind and Notus of the South Wind. After the boat renaming ceremony, a final christening of the new boat name is conducted.