Tradition time!

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S

Squadron

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Nov 8, 2009
35
Hunter 22 Charleston, SC
So we've done a little work on the boat, cleaning her up and testing various things to make sure that she is ready to go out when we want to.

Now is the time to poll you guys on what traditions are important and necessary for a new (to us) 25 year old boat. Here's some details:

She doesn't currently have a name (old name or new name, the old name appears to have rubbed/been painted off).
She's already in the water
Never crossed the equator

What sorts of things should we do prior to the new boating season, so that we don't stir the wrath of Poseidon? :)

Thanks!
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Sean, There are at least two ways to go with new to you boats. If you are so inclined you can enlist a mainline priest and have the boat blessed. Or you can call upon the gods of the sea and sky with proper ritual ( usually involves some manner of ceremonial fire and the offering of fire water(at least a small libation) some manner of incantation and considerable telling of tall and completely true tales of the exploits of men and ships). I am of the mind to cover all of my bases so the priest comes on one day and the witch doctor the next and the shaman on the third day.
 
cephius (Dave)

cephius (Dave)

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May 25, 2004
978
Catalina Capri 14.2 1670 Rochester, MN
My traditions are more in the daily routine area; Blowing a Boatswain's pipe when bringing down the ensign at sunset, signaling with one long blast of the horn when in reverse and leaving the slip, using International Signal Code to hoist a welcome message to my guests.

I am superstitious about renaming a boat. Since I refuse to do it, I've never had to use a ceremony to appease Poseidon. When I traded in my last boat for a brand new one, the dealer stated his first actions on all trade-ins is to remove every trace of the old name. This allows the next owner to name it with a clear conscience.

I guess I don't have any traditions for the big things, just for all the little ones.
 
shorty

shorty

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Apr 14, 2005
298
Pearson P34 Mt Desert, ME
Pay

your insurance premium! Never speak of what you are going to do, rather what you hope to do.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I had a Hunter 22 that was orignially named Karios. I changed the name to Bad Obsession. I had the boat for 3 years afterwards and never did a ceremony. The boat was very nice and I never had any issues.

On my current boat I kept the original name "Spirit of Liberty" on it. It has weathered some rough stuff and done okay. The only real spot of bad luck was when I was flying a viking war flag (the raven flag). Some odd and bad luck started happening. I realized that the flag was the source as any Viking commander that flew the flag was victorious in battle but the commander died in battle. I took the flag down and the bad luck stopped. I will NEVER fly that flag again.
 
J

Jim Kolstoe

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Jun 5, 2004
209
- - Eugene, OR
Bad O, you must not be a proper viking. You took down a very lucky flag. Think like a viking: the flag helps you win a battle, then you get to go to Valhalla and drink, wench and fight every day forever. No work, no "honey do's."
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
 
R

Rick Sylvester

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Jul 1, 2004
567
Hunter 40 St. Petersburg
We were going to sacrifice a virgin

at our christening of Anthem but dang it, we couldn't find one on the docks anywhere ;)
 
C

CarlN

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Jan 4, 2009
603
Ketch 55 Bristol, RI
You've gotten a lot of good advice on naming and I'd definitely do something along that line but I'm not sure Poseidon much cared about names. Those Greek gods had much more human characteristics:

Vice: As soon as possible play some poker, get drunk, and have carnal relations on your new boat. If you are over 50 it's best not to try all three on the same night. Don't overdue anything, you can embellish it later in the stories.

Pride: Run aground. Do it soon at a time and place of your choosing (If Poseiden gets to choose it will be raining and rocks will be involved). Also hit the dock to get that "first scratch" out of the way.

Man over nature: Go out in a fairly strong wind - 30 knots should do. Do two or three tacks and come in. Develop into a good story (read Perfect Storm for ideas)

Pointless gesture: Get mad at some broken part of your boat and throw it over the side. We've all done it. Pick something cheap like a dinghy outboard spark plug. Make sure it is something that will sink.

Good luck,

Carl
 
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