WHAT’S IN A NAME?

For many, choosing a name is the hardest part, even more difficult than deciding the name of your child! There are no rules here, and there are many boats that share the same name, as do many babies!! Boats are generally referred to as female (is that why they can be so hard to handle sometimes?) although many boat owners use neutral names. But beware of naming your boat after a particular woman. A well known yachtsman un USA named his boat after his wife, and sank 3 times!

We can design the name for you, we can apply it for you, but we can’t decide your boat name, you’re on your own here! But if you really are stuck, check out our ‘INSPIRATION’ page.

Changing Boat name?

Designing your boat name

For transom graphics we need to know the maximum height and width of the total area you want your boat name/port/SSR number to be placed. We can then design suitable relative sizes

For the bow we need to know the same; height and width and preferred height for your letters.

What size? We are always asked, ‘what is the ideal size’? While this is llargely personal preference and dictated by the space available, you will want them large enough to be see. The requirement for SSR number is 30mm high. For the name, usually a height of between 90 and 120mm would suffice, but for larger vessels or for the transom, you might want something bigger.

Font: There are simply thousands of different fonts available, too many to show here. Just look at the fonts on your computer to see how many you have. Think about whether you like traditional, modern, or fancy, and look at some examples on our ‘inspiration page’. We are happy to send you some samples to choose from once we have a rough idea of the type you prefer.

Shadow or outline: if you want to give your boat name more depth, we can add a shadow or outline. Ask us to send you some samples

There is an old sailors’ tale that changing a boat’s name is bad luck! We don’t agree.

We have changed the name of many boats and we know of no examples of bad luck, only delighted owners. One thing is certain, it is better to have a name you like, that reflects your preferences and personality, than stick with a name you hate. A boat name represents the unbreakable bond between vessel and owner.

But there may be some formalities. More >>