Different strokes for different folks... I think naming a vessel is as personal or impersonal as the individual wants it to be. Honestly, I've seen some pretty stupid boat names but I keep my opinions to myself because its so subjective; so essentially it might sound like a poor choice to me but to someone else it means something, so let it be.
With that said, I do take boat naming seriously as a part of nautical tradition. Personally, I like to avoid naming a vessel something that is cliché or has been done before, which includes not choosing a name someone else in my homeport already has. For those folks who have CG documented vessels I guess you really can't pick a name someone else already has (right?)
There are 'fun' names out here, and if your boat is for 'fun' than give it a fun name. There aggressive or intense names (think fighting spirit), so if you have race boat then go with that. For classic beauties, choose something classic/historic etc. There are famous boat names that I think belong only to that famous pedigree; so I won't be naming any of my vessels Ranger, Enterprise, Shamrock, Finiesterre, Dorade, or even Dove... that's just me. For large cruising boats, classic or otherwise, I think her name deserves class and grace, it evokes the presence you desire to express in the ports you will visit.
I have one other rule... I don't name vessels after my Mom. Sorry, just can't do it. I loved my Mom as much as anyone could, but look I don't have an Oedipus complex. I will love my boat probably in a more romantic way than I would say I loved my Mom... its just, different. Can't go there. BTW, that counts for wives too... Sorry babe, nothing is forever (except for my mistress, LOL).
With that said, I do take boat naming seriously as a part of nautical tradition. Personally, I like to avoid naming a vessel something that is cliché or has been done before, which includes not choosing a name someone else in my homeport already has. For those folks who have CG documented vessels I guess you really can't pick a name someone else already has (right?)
There are 'fun' names out here, and if your boat is for 'fun' than give it a fun name. There aggressive or intense names (think fighting spirit), so if you have race boat then go with that. For classic beauties, choose something classic/historic etc. There are famous boat names that I think belong only to that famous pedigree; so I won't be naming any of my vessels Ranger, Enterprise, Shamrock, Finiesterre, Dorade, or even Dove... that's just me. For large cruising boats, classic or otherwise, I think her name deserves class and grace, it evokes the presence you desire to express in the ports you will visit.
I have one other rule... I don't name vessels after my Mom. Sorry, just can't do it. I loved my Mom as much as anyone could, but look I don't have an Oedipus complex. I will love my boat probably in a more romantic way than I would say I loved my Mom... its just, different. Can't go there. BTW, that counts for wives too... Sorry babe, nothing is forever (except for my mistress, LOL).
