Why are
boats named after women? Is it because
we are cherished, worshipped, idolized and beautiful in the eyes of the owner?
Because we're unforgettable, fun-loving, irresistible, sleek and stunning? Of course
these are the reasons most normally name their boats after a woman.
Perhaps
long ago they were named in honor of women to remind those pirates, sailors and
fishermen that they did have a woman in their life already and this also let
them not forget their names after being gone for months at a time.
Maybe like
the female species, a boat can be very cooperative, run very smoothly until one
day unexpectedly she becomes defiant, refuses to start up, become cold and
cantankerous with a flaring temper one would choose to avoid.
Every boat
owner should know if you want your "sweetie" to run well, you have to keep her
happy, sweet talk her, update, upgrade, maintain and sometimes it requires
extra special attention. Some women, I mean vessels, are more high-maintenance
than others.
One strong
word of advice about naming your boat in honor of your spouse or girlfriend is
to not name your yacht, houseboat, sailboat, motorboat or even rowboat if the
boat is old, ugly, in disrepair, neglected and undesirable. If you do this then
you may be changing your weekend outings on weekends to being a full-time
occupant on your boat and renaming it The
Dog House. Please do not name your
dinghy without consideration either. I have seen one and it was named MY MOTHER. Sure hope that mother never
sees that name; it might not float with her.
Having
walked many piers I have seen all kinds of names, some applicable, some tongue
in cheek and some leave me saying, "What were you thinking?" One of my
favorites was at Lake Belton
outside Waco, Texas. It was appropriately named The Office and it was owned by an
attorney firm. This was probably named by a workaholic or so he wanted others
to think. I can imagine him calling his wife and telling her he'll be at the
office late and the meeting might last all weekend.
Another
favorite is named The Merry Yacht When
you say it real fast it's the Marriott. I love names with double meaning or
boats with sentimental names. Recently a young family purchased a boat and moved
onto our dock. They have three children so they named it All Hands On Deck and have their handprints by their name.
If you are
in a dilemma as to what to name your pride and joy, whether it's brand new or
just needs a new name to fit your personality, here are some suggestions:
AQUAHOLIC
AWOL
Big Boy Toy
Bob N Around
Buoy O Buoy
Eat, Drink & Re-Marry
Here Fishee Fishee
Hooked
Hydrotherapy
I O NIT
Just Add Money
Knotty Girl
Knot A Yachta
Knot Paid IV
Knot Working
Liquid Asset
LOTTAWATTA
Mental Pause
Nacho Boat
Nauti Buoy
Need 4 Speed
Pier Pressure
POCO LOCO
Reel Busy
Reel Trouble
Ship Faced
The Other Woman
Tide The Knot
Toadly Wasted
Tortuga
Viagua
Water We Wading 4
Whatever
you name your "baby" it will be a reflection of you, your interests, your hobbies
and your choice. Some boat owners have
the naming or re-naming ceremony on the dock with the appropriate friends and
family members along with the appropriate bubbly beverage. Personally, the
first time I saw all the food, drinks and crowd I thought someone was getting
married rather than a boat being christened. To a point I guess we are married
to our boats. We are committed, we vow to take care of them. We choose them
with great care and find one which meets our needs. Depending on your budget you
may want to marry, I mean purchase, a low-maintenance
vessel or you may prefer a fixer-upper. Actually, some folks probably take more
time, research and consideration in their nautical preferences than choosing a
partner for life. But, back to the subject, just have fun.