There’s a lot of lore surrounding the naming of a boat so if you want to change the name of a vessel, you may be wondering how to do so in a way that honors the boat in question and doesn’t bring you the bad luck you may have heard about from other seafaring individuals. Fortunately, it’s easy to do and can be done fairly quickly. Here’s everything you need to know about how to rename a boat.
Why Change a Boat’s Name?
Before you go through the process of changing a boat’s name, it makes sense to know why it might be necessary. Some people change the name of a boat to honor a loved one who has died. If you’ve recently purchased a new boat, you may want to change the name to align with your interests and values or simply to let other people know who it belongs to now. Giving a boat a fresh start is another common reason to change its name. In any case, changing the name of a boat isn’t too complicated, but must be done legally.
What are the Traditions?
If you’ve been part of the boating community for any length of time, you may have heard that changing a boat’s name is bad luck. However, you can do this in a way that protects your luck. In addition to the legal paperwork that must be done, there’s a ceremony that is performed to keep bad luck from following you. That typically involves alcohol (usually champagne) being poured into the water and saying a chant or prayer. The law doesn’t require this ceremony, but many boat owners still use it if they change the name of their vessel.
How to Rename a Boat
When you rename your boat, you must notify the United States Coast Guard. You will have to fill out paperwork to change the name of the boat, as well as procure any necessary licenses. This includes the bill of sale, registration and any pertinent permits required by either the state or federal government. It’s important to follow these steps as the USCG needs to know your boat’s name in cases of emergency or accident. This paperwork is also required if you ever decide to sell your boat. If you fail to let the USCG know about a boat name change, you can face fines and other repercussions as a result.
Steps to Change Your Boat’s Name
Fortunately, completing the steps to changing your boat’s name can be done online. It’s a simple process and can be completed in a short amount of time. Once you are done with your part, the USCG will take over. It usually takes a couple of weeks for approval and a new Certificate of Documentation to be issued. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose a name that is unique (not used by another boat) and non-offensive
- Fill out the application for the Initial Issue, Exchange, or Replacement of a Certificate of Documentation
- Once you receive approval, change the name of the boat on the vessel itself
Here at the US Vessel Documentation Center we can help you how to rename a boat and facilitate the process. Contact us today and we’ll help you get started.
