Can Boats Have The Same Name? Should Opt Unique/Can Be Same?

Naming a boat is a tradition that started around a thousand years ago. From then onwards, people started naming their boats as a tradition. But what about having the same name? Should boat names be unique, or can several boats have the same name?

Boats can have the same name, and a boat can be named with the same name as your neighbor’s boat, even if the model is the same. It is because boats aren’t distinguished based on names rather identified using hull ID numbers. But there’s an unstated rule for big boats that names should be unique.

You can name as many boats you want with the same name that you are fond of, and there is no rule opposing you to do that because names are not the boat’s identifiers; hull ID numbers are. So that’s the main reason why several boats can have the same name.

The boat name is similar to the name on your car’s front or back windshield. Generally, it should speak about you or should be tangentially related to your personality or interests or activities or work, etc. So, it need not be unique, but it’s a best practice if it is related to you.

And generally, big boats like big yachts, ships, and other bigger ones will have unique names. Because being big and having a unique name is pride rather than what’s the point of having a big (unique) ship with the same name to others.

That being said, we will now see more about the boat names, like what names you should go for and what names you should avoid completely, and is naming a boat required? And so on.

Does A Boat Name Need To Be Unique? A boat name need not be unique, and it is fine to choose a common name that many people use and remember. There are no regulations prohibiting boaters from giving their vessels the same name as other boats in most places.

Can You Name Your Boat Anything?

You can name your boat whatever name you like, and there is no objection to that. But a best practice is to avoid controversial names. Names like abusing someone or filthy words, etc. And go for a good name that suits you or is related to your work or something like that.

Naming your boat after your loved ones is also good, and most people name their boats like that. Here are a few examples of how boat names should be named or related to their boats.

For a speedboat or powerboat, generally, if you go for a name that is related to speed, such as Rebel, lightning, etc., it will be attractive to your boat (speed boat). And probably you shouldn’t go for a name related to slow-moving or slow-going for a speed boat.
For a sailboat, you can name any names related to wind, clouds, sailing, etc. For a sailboat, speed is not related at all. Sailboats are related to relaxation, calm, stress relief, etc. Some of the names for a sailboat are summer wind, sailing free, sail away, etc.
For a fishing boat, you can select names anything related to fishes, tacking ability, fishing, etc. If you have big outboard motors, then you can go for speed boat names as well. Some of the names for a fishing boat are Kingfisher, gone fishing, fish magician, etc.

Should A Boat Be Named? Naming a boat is not mandatory, and if you don’t want to name your boat, you don’t have to. There is no law stating that you should name your boat after buying it. So, finally, it’s your call, and you can decide whether you want to name your boat or not.

What type of boat names should & shouldn’t choose?

RULES – There are some rules that need to be followed while naming a boat.
1. The boat name should contain less than 33 characters.
2. The letter height shouldn’t be less than 3 inches in height.
3. The name should be in the visible region on the boat, like on the transom or either side of the boat.
These rules vary a lot based on State-registered vessel vs. Federal documented vessel. Check this BoatUS website to know all the rules in a detailed way.

Examples Of Boat Names You Shouldn’t Choose

Names that are abusing someone. The boat name shouldn’t insult anyone. You shouldn’t hurt anyone with your boat name, such as abusing some famous persons or abusing some companies or abusing people, etc. The other boaters may think wrong about you and will not respect you.
Bad words. The boat names shouldn’t contain any bad words as their boat names. If you use any bad words as your boat names, it doesn’t look good and feels good while telling your boat name to others.
Tough names. Generally, it is good to name your boat simple and understandable by everyone. It is fine to use any name, but using a name that is not understandable to anyone will be ineffective. So, go for simple and proper boat names.

Examples Of Boat Names You Can Choose

Simple names. While naming your boat, go for simple, readable and names that you can remember. People should understand, retain (if needed), and be able to read the name correctly. It shouldn’t be so hard to remember or read the name.
Boat names that reflect your personality are often better. You can select a boat name that suits your personality. It can be your favorite food, song, or someone you like the most. Many people will go for “she” names (can be anyone).
Fun or entertaining names. You can select a name for the boat that is fun or entertaining (something about the food names or something). These types of names will speak about your personality. It is good to name your boat based on your personality.

What Happens If Your Boat Doesn’t Have A Name?

There is nothing wrong with not naming your boat, and it’s absolutely fine. Naming a boat is not mandatory, and you can decide whether you need it or not. Since it’s a tradition started long back, many people follow that and name their boats. In the end, it’s your call, not someone else’s.

Can You Rename A Boat? Renaming a boat is absolutely ok, and you can rename your boat as many times as you like. Since many people don’t like to rename a boat due to beliefs and many other things, so there are many conspiracies around renaming a boat, but you can rename your boat if you want it to.

Problems Of Not Having A Name For Your Boat

Other sailors or skippers may give less attention or respect. It is not like they will beat you or something. If you name your boat, it is a pride movement, and if you didn’t name your boat, other sailers might feel like something is wrong.
It is a tradition, especially for big boats. Many people will believe that if you named your boat after a goddess, you would be safe, and nothing harm happens to you and your boat while boating.

Is Naming A Boat Must?

Naming a boat is not required by law, and no law states that you should name your boat after buying it. But, many name their boats as a tradition (started thousands of years ago). So, naming a boat is not mandatory rather, it’s a tradition followed by many. You can decide whether you need it or not.

Generally, there is an unstated rule that you need to name a boat if you have a big boat. Big boats need to be uniquely identified. And, people who have small boats won’t usually name their boats often (but few do). So, if you have a pontoon boat or deck boat, bass boat, or any small boat, you are probably fine, even without questioning about it.

If you are interested, you can register your boat’s name as well. The boat’s name need not be unique, and if you liked any name and someone takes the name, still, you can use that name for your boat. No law states that you shouldn’t copy other boat names.

Are Boat Names Required? Naming a boat is not mandatory, and if you don’t want to name your boat, you don’t have to. There is no law stating that you should name your boat after buying it. So, finally, it’s your call, and you can decide whether you want to name your boat or not.

The Key Takeaways From The Post

Several boats can have the same name. In fact, the boat can be named with the same name as your neighbor’s boat, regardless of the model (same/different), because boats aren’t distinguished based on names rather identified using hull ID numbers.