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japawil · 06-05-2021, 13:06

Of course it is not necessary from a legal standpoint ( state registration doesn’t require a name; you get a registration number which must be displayed ).

From a superstitious standpoint, consider Pascal’s wager; if you pick a “god” to make a sacrifice to, make sure you’re picking the right one or face the jealous wrath of the one you ignored. So, that doesn’t help.
If you don’t buy into any of them then it won’t hurt either. It could be fun.

How about having a spaghetti diner in the cockpit. Open a bottle of chianti (and grape juice for the kids) and toast to the adventures to come!

dadster3 · 06-05-2021, 13:23

The I Ching says it is important to call things by their right name. A renaming ritual shows respect for the boat and, perhaps more importantly, Neptune who may not take kindly to the new name without giving him respectful notice. Don't screw around with this.

And for those of you who have made fun, I offer a warning from The West Wing's Toby Ziegler: "Do you want to tempt the wrath of the Whatever from high atop the Thing? Now go outside, turn around 3 times and spit."

Djarraluda · 06-05-2021, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

Honor truth. Disregard the supernatural. Do as you please.

I come from Essex, England. The local fishermen there had the pragmatic answer:
"Change her name, Change her luck" was the saying. Just do it and don't waste good booze in the water, enjoy it in yourselves instead.
The only word of warning is if she is a traditional square rigged ship, there will be a gold sovereign under the heel of the mainmast engraved with her old name. If you sink, old Neptune won't know who the payment is for.
I have changed several boats names with zero ceremony and never had a moment's regret.
Roger

johnn33 · 06-05-2021, 16:00

The coin under the foot of the mast is Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Viking
John

Nani Kai · 06-05-2021, 16:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Puget

Celebrate the new boat!

I always thought some of the..... ceremony was to celebrate, commit to the vessel that you will be the best captains and stewards of her care as you can, and thank her for taking care of you in return.

What Cap'n Puget said.

A boat is a home, vacation rental, dream machine, water park "E" ride, transporter and Tardis all rolled into one. She's special and if you think of her that way then you will treat her like she's more than just another possession.

An attitude of respect, gratitude, awe and affection will affect how you sail her, how you repair her, how you maintain her and how you look after her in tough situations. Because of these attentions Abby will be well prepared to return the favor, not because of anything supernatural but because you made sure she was able to perform the job for which she was designed.

There will come a time when you make it through a rough night where Abby gets banged around by wind, waves and the occasional miscalculation by you. When dawn breaks and you see a bent this and a broken that and a missing something else you will silently thank her for her strength, stamina and determination, qualities that were built into her by real, natural folks.

Adventures like that are why boats are treated as if they are alive. Anything alive deserves a name, a good name, a name that means something to those who love her. The way you give her that name, whether in celebration of her existence or while quietly meditating on all that she represents is completely up to you. If you do recognize your boat's importance by naming her in a significant way, I sincerely believe that your adventures aboard her will be enriched.

Aloha and HappySailing,
Nani Kai

Ivansgarage · 06-05-2021, 16:24

Shhhh... don't tell anybody, there is NO wind and sea gods...

slfro85 · 06-05-2021, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnn33

The coin under the foot of the mast is Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Viking
John

Viking is closest to the traditions I (very loosely) follow, and he’s big on Roman history. We might put a coin under the mast as a nod to the tradition when we first set sail, but we plan to dry sail her and trailer her home after every use so the mast will come down every time.

**JoeRobertJr** · 06-05-2021, 16:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nani Kai

A boat is a home, vacation rental, dream machine, water park "E" ride, transporter and Tardis all rolled into one. She's special and if you think of her that way then you will treat her like she's more than just another possession.

An attitude of respect, gratitude, awe and affection will affect how you sail her, how you repair her, how you maintain her and how you look after her in tough situations. Because of these attentions Abby will be well prepared to return the favor, not because of anything supernatural but because you made sure she was able to perform the job for which she was designed.

There will come a time when you make it through a rough night where Abby gets banged around by wind, waves and the occasional miscalculation by you. When dawn breaks and you see a bent this and a broken that and a missing something else you will silently thank her for her strength, stamina and determination, qualities that were built into her by real, natural folks.

Adventures like that are why boats are treated as if they are alive. Anything alive deserves a name, a good name, a name that means something to those who love her. The way you give her that name, whether in celebration of her existence or while quietly meditating on all that she represents is completely up to you. If you do recognize your boat's importance by naming her in a significant way, I sincerely believe that your adventures aboard her will be enriched.

Aloha and HappySailing,
Nani Kai

Well said, Nani Kai!

sailingabe41ds · 06-05-2021, 19:32

I am perplexed...the op is an atheist without a belief in anyone higher then themselves. What difference does it make in how you name the boat....just name it. In your case, perhaps Caine, Moloch, or Loki would be most apopros.

Abe

wesevans · 06-05-2021, 20:21

Perfectly alright to rename a boat upon transfer of ownership.

carlosproa · 06-05-2021, 20:26

How about name it Captain Crunch?
If this is your fist boat, it may fit the ticket. Anywho, is a trailer able so no need to do any superstitious stuff, just enjoy it, use it, and in a couple of years get a bigger one

johnn33 · 07-05-2021, 04:11

Rather off topic, but if you want good luck, think about a cat ...
https://cottagecapers.com/tag/ships-cats/
John

Dave Isom · 07-05-2021, 14:22

We renamed my 40 foot yacht twenty years ago with great success using “ Vigor’s little known interdenominational name changing ceremony “. It goes something like this. Firstly, remove ALL evidence of the old name from your vessel and have a small denaming ceremony using suitable libations ( any grog will do ).
The old name is NEVER to be mentioned again at any time !
For the renaming, if obtainable use the blood from sacrificial virgins. My two daughters refused to volunteer so we used champagne which is fine . This is poured on the bow, a suitable reverential ceremony should be conducted offering sacrifices to the Gods and blessing the vessel and all who sail upon her ,with more libations and the new name put on the boat . That’s about it. The RAN frequently changed names of ships and it's ok to do. You don’t need to smash a bottle on the bow just pour some of the alcohol on and drink the rest.

belizesailor · 07-05-2021, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcjsmith

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. This means documents, decor items, nameboards, and even life rings. Then, strike the name from every record, ranging from log books to maintenance documents. Some people recommend burning them, to ensure you obliterate the name, but white-out fluid does the trick just as well. Finally, after you’ve checked and re-checked that you’ve completed these steps, write the old name in water-soluble ink on a metal tag. Do not, under any circumstances, take even one item with the new name onboard yet! In fact, you can’t do this until you’ve completed all of the tasks outlined below.
2. Begin the purging ceremony.

The official ceremony, in which you address Poseidon himself, calls for good champagne, and good friends as witnesses. Once you’re gathered together on the bow of the boat, recite the following:
Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (mention the old boat name), which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name, to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea.
At this point, drop the metal tag over the bow into the water. Then say:
In grateful acknowledgement of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
Pour at least half the champagne into the water, from east to west. Share the rest among yourselves.
3. Begin the renaming ceremony.

Speak to Poseidon once again:
Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, I implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (say the name you’ve selected), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm.
In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation, and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court.
Make sure you have more champagne on hand, because you’ll need to pour it, minus one glass for you and one for the mate, into the water, this time from west to east.

4. Appease the four wind gods.

Renaming a boat also involves asking for fair winds and calm seas for your pending voyages. Recite:
Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (say your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.
Next, address each wind god individually. In facing north, pour champagne into a champagne flute and toss the libation to the north as you say:
Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.
Next face west, repeating the champagne pour and toss while saying:
Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.
Face east, repeating the champagne pour and toss while saying:
Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.
Lastly, face south, pouring the champagne and tossing it while reciting:
Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.
5. Finish Off the Champagne

If you have any champagne left, indulge in honor of completing the ceremony.
Now, at long last, you can take your first item bearing the new name onto your boat. Hopefully you haven’t had the transom graphics changed yet. If scheduling issues prevented waiting until after the renaming ceremony, though, keep the new name covered until you finish all the steps.
Yes, this is incredibly detailed, and incredibly superstitious. But would you rather tempt fate?

Come on, it could be fun!

Everyone in attendance must be attired approproately of course...dressed as some mythological nautical character.