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Scope: The ratio of the length of the anchor rode to the vertical distance from the bow chocks to the bottom (depth plus height of bow chocks above water).
There are different types of anchors with specific advantages of each type. The type of anchor and size (weight) of anchor a boat uses depends upon the size of the boat. It is advisable for each boat to carry at least two anchors.
A working or service anchor should have the holding power equal to approximately 6% of the boat’s displacement.
A storm anchor should be at least 150-200% as effective as the service anchor.
The complete anchor system consists of the anchor, the rode, and the various fittings connecting the rode to the anchor. The rode is the line from the boat to the anchor and is usually made up of a length of line plus a short length of chain. Large vessels may use an all-chain rode. Each element of the system must be connected to its neighbor in a strong and dependable manner. The most commonly used line for rode is nylon. The line may be either cable laid or braided, and must be free of cuts and abrasions. Foot or fathom markers may be placed in the line to aid in paying out the proper amount of anchor rode.
Chain added with the rode has several advantages:
Lowers the angle of pull (the chain tends to lie on the bottom).
Helps to prevent chafing of the line on a rocky bottom.
Mud is easily washed off (without the chain, nylon gets very dirty in mud).
There are various methods for securing the rode to the anchor ring. With fiber line, the preferred practice is to place an eye splice with thimble and swivel at the end of the line. If the thimble does not allow the swivel to be attached before the splice, a shackle is used to attach the swivel to the thimble. Then shackles are used to attach the swivel to one end of the chain and the other end of the chain to the anchor’s shank.
There are not only countless brands in the nautical field, but tons of categories too. Some are more popular than others, of course, depending on where you are. One of the less sought-after options in Canada is the centre console. Though mainly associated with fishing, this type of boat can be used for just about anything. To get an idea of how in vogue they are in other markets, you just have to see how big the centre console section is at Miami International Boat Show – practically one third of the exhibit hall!
For those of you who aren’t familiar, the driving station on central console boats is exactly where you might guess, in the middle. The rest of the boat is totally open, which means you can move about with ease. In most cases, they are powered by one or several outboard motors. These boats come in all sizes, with some reaching more than 40 feet.
Note that modern central console boats are very different from the austere models we saw in the past. Nowadays, there’s something for everyone: posh, sporty or ultra-powerful. For people who like to go on overnight trips, some manufacturers offer models that, like cuddy boats, feature a closed section in front with a berth, kitchenette and even a bathroom, giving a whole new dimension to this type of boat.
What’s behind their popularity?
First, the way these boats are configured makes them very versatile and a practical choice for a number of different activities. The most common being fishing, of course, as this type of boat often comes with a wide range of equipment and accessories specifically for fishermen. Meanwhile, a lot of people use central consoles for other water hobbies, such as scuba diving. And then there are those who just happen to like their style and the amount of open space they offer.
Being powered by outboard motors also has its advantages. Since the engines are positioned outside the boat, they are easier to access and cheaper to maintain – not to mention that it frees up a lot of space on board, presenting a clear advantage over conventional boats of the same size.
What’s more, central console boats often weigh less, resulting in better performances for the same amount of horsepower and significant fuel economy. With gas prices constantly on the rise, this alone could be a deciding factor!
Easy to maintain
In our opinion, the main advantage that attracts a good number of buyers is the easier, simpler upkeep. A small fixed roof, hard-top or canvas, protects the driving station, while the configuration and materials used on board can withstand storm after storm. Rain or shine, don’t sweat it. Everything on board can be hosed down, and you’re ready to get back on the water within minutes. Essentially, central console boats are a very practical choice if you don’t have the time (or the inclination) to put a lot of work into maintaining your boat.
What are the disadvantages?
Since nothing can ever be perfect, there are also some disadvantages. The biggest shortcoming is that most central console models have very few seats. Other than the driver, who usually gets a comfortable double seat, passengers have to make do with harder seats, often with no seat back. This can make long trips less pleasant… Plus, there is no sunpad for stretching out. This is definitely not an ideal boat for lengthy excursions.
Nonetheless, this central console boats attract a lot of buyers, and it’s easy to understand why. Now, it remains to be seen if the same interest will spread to our country over the next few years.
If in need of captain or learning captain lessons with your new boat, center console or not make sure to contact us at Miami Boat Captain to assist you with your needs.
MIAMI (March 8, 2011) – Stronger breeze today allowed for the completion of another race at the BACARDI Cup, the headline event of the 2011 BACARDI Miami Sailing Week presented by EFG Bank, bringing the 89 Star teams another step closer to the title which will ultimately be determined on Saturday, March 12. The second day of racing saw the California team of skipper Peter Vessella (Burlingame) and Rodney Hagebols (San Francisco) take an early lead on the first leg of the race, only to be overtaken at the windward mark. Sweden’s Fredrik Lööf and Max Salmiren, who claimed the silver medal in January at the Rolex Miami OCR, were initially fighting for fifth place when they were able to break away from the group and pull into the lead at the leeward mark.
“We had quite a conservative start,” said Lööf. “We worked our way up the left side of the course on the first upwind, and were looking really good, but then, the right came in with quite a decent wind. At that point, we went to the right side when a lot of the other boats went left and we were able to get a big gain. Peter [Vessella] was leading initially, but we were able to get out in front and pull away from him and the others in the second downwind.”
Lööf and Salmiren went on to win the race with Irish Olympian Peter O’Leary and crew David Burones finishing second.
2007 BACARDI Cup winner Hamish Pepper and crew Craig Monk (both New Zealand) placed third, followed by Vessella and Hagerbols in fourth.
“We have a new boat, so we’re just trying to have a good time and see how things go,” said Lööf regarding his approach to the 2011 BACARDI Cup. “This will be my third BACARDI Cup. Everyone competing out there is strong and there are a lot of boats this year. It is good to see so many people sharing their passion [for sailing] and it’s always nice to be in Miami.”
Eivind Melleby and Petter Morland Pedersen (Norway) followed yesterday’s bullet with an eighth-place finish today to maintain their position at the top of the overall standings. The Norwegians, however, are tied on points – nine apiece – with O’ Leary and Burones.
Through eighth place the standings are extremely tight, with one point or less separating six teams: third overall, with 12 points, is Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Dominik Zycki (Poland) after finishes of 6-6; Guillaume Florent and Pascal Rambeau (France), stand fourth with finishes of 3-10 for 13 points; Maciej Grabowski and Lukasz Lesinski (Poland) are fifth with 14 points; and Vessella and Hagebols have 15 points for sixth place. Tied at 17 points each are Pepper and Monk, in sixth place overall, with Mark Reynolds (San Diego, Calif.) and Rick Peters (Venice, Calif.) in seventh. Two teams recently named to the 2011 US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics round out the top-10 overall: Andy Horton (South Burlington, Vermont) and crew James Lyne (Granville, Vermont) stand ninth with 25 points, followed by Andrew Campbell (San Diego, Calif.) and crew Ian Coleman (Annapolis, Md.) with 28 points.
Racing for the BACARDI Cup resumes Wednesday, March 9, and continues through Saturday, March 12. The Bacardi party today (Wednesday 9th.) is at the Village at the Grove’s Convention Center. Anyways as always, I am looking forward to my “Cuba Libre”
STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI AT MIAMARINA AT BAYSIDE
400 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33132
SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
Courtesy shuttle buses will run between all locations including the park and ride at the American Airlines Arena from one hour prior to show opening through one hour after show close daily.
Daily parking at the American Airlines Arena is $10. The Yacht & Brokerage Show also offers free shuttle service to–from the Miami Beach Convention Center and Collins Avenue and Collins Avenue to–from the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center beginning one hour priot to show opening through one hour after show closes daily. The Yacht & Brokerage Show is not affiliated with the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail.
WATER TAXI SERVICE
New this year, courtesy Water Taxi service is available between the park and ride at the American Airlines Arena, Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, and Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside from 10am–6pm daily. All Boat Captains are welcome!
Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available on a first-come first-served basis through the D Lobby security studio at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The user must leave a driver’s license for collateral. There is no charge for wheelchair use, however, electric scooters are rented on a cash only basis and are $40.00 per use and can be reserved if they are paid in advance. For more information please contact Gary Kramer at showpros@bellsouth.net.
Show Hours
Premier Day
Thursday, February 17, 10:00am–6:00pm
Friday, February 18, 10:00am–8:00pm
Saturday, February 19, 10:00am–8:00pm
Sunday, February 20, 10:00am–8:00pm
Monday, February 21, 10:00am–6:00pm
The Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Strictly Sail Miami at Miamarina at Bayside locations are open from 10:00am–6:00pm daily.
Admission
5 Day Pass (Good all 5 days of the show)
Thursday, February 17th–Monday, February 21st — $75.00
Premier Day (February 17th) — $30.00
Friday–Monday (February 18th–21st)
Adults — $16.00 (16 and older)
2 Day Pass — $30.00
Children 15 and under are FREE (must be accompanied by an adult)
Ticket are available for purchase online starting December 17, 2010. Tickets are also available for purchase on site at all three locations during show days at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, and Strictly Sail Miami at Miamiarina at Bayside.
or more. When you purchase 20 tickets at regular price you receive 5 FREE. Call 954-441-3231 for details or send an e-mail to Cathy Rick-Joule at crick-joule@nmma.org.
786-276-BOAT (active February 11–24, 2011)
Local Florida Office — (954) 441-3220
There’s no better place than a boat show to compare features and prices — if you know how to approach it. Anyone can just walk the aisles of new products on display, but diving in blind with no pre-game research is certainly not the best use of your time. Here are three ways to find what you need, avoid wasting time and money, and not miss out on the real deals.
Just as you wouldn’t cast off for a cruise without charts (we hope), you don’t want to approach the boat western union sri lanka nittambuwa esternunion-country-locations.com/western-union-united-kingdom-coventry.php”>western union united kingdom coventry show without some sort of attack plan. Thanks to the Internet, you can get a good idea of what new stuff will be at the show before it starts. In the case of the Miami International Boat Show check out www.miamiboatshow.com to get the list of all the companies that will be at the Miami Convention Center — the mecca of new boat products during the show.
2. Location, Location, Location. Without proper planning you can easily spend your day in taxicabs and lines for shuttle buses. Look at what you want to see and where it’s located at the show. Set priorities and make a targeted list.
It’s best to know what you want and where you’re going once you’re there. Get a map of the building as early as you can, mark your targets and knock them off.
3. Keep Your Head On a Swivel. Don’t get distracted, but don’t wear blinders, either. New products at boat shows are always delightful surprises — you may even find something you need but weren’t looking for. This is a balancing act to be sure — a slippery slope between an efficient, targeted hunt and a day of aimless wandering. Have a plan and stick to it, but keep your eyes and ears open for new things. – By Christopher White
To view the Schedule and Guide to the Miami Boat Show 2011 click the Boat Captain link.
Miami, Fla. – It was “do or die” yesterday for sailors in the final medal races of US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR. Reserved for top-ten fleet racing finishers in Finn, 49er, Men’s 470, Women’s 470, Laser, Laser Radial, Men’s RS:X, Women’s RS:X and Star classes, the medal races also included “knock-out” Finals and Petit Finals, with two boats each, from the Elliott 6m (women’s match racing) class. The racing formats replicate those that will be used at the Olympic Sailing Regatta in the 2012 Games, and as so designed, they did not fail to deliver a final punch of excitement to six days of racing here for 716 sailors from 53 nations.
“In the final medal count, 14 different countries won 39 medals, with eight different countries sharing Gold,
” said US SAILING’s Olympic Sailing Committee Chair Dean Brenner (Wallingford, Conn.) at the final Rolex Prizegiving, held at Coral Reef Yacht Club. He explained that while 10 Olympic classes determined podium positions today, three Paralympic classes completed racing yesterday to determine medalists.
With finishes counting double points today in the fleet racing, Sweden’s Rasmus Myrgren finished third in the 104-boat Laser class, the largest here, and added six points to his score line, putting him three points out in front of Argentina’s Julio Alsogaray for the Gold. Taking Bronze after Alsogaray’s Silver was yesterday’s leader Paul Goodison (GBR), the 2008 Laser Olympic Gold Medalist.
“Among us three, plus Nick Thompson (GBR), it was who-beat-whom to take the Gold today,” said Myrgren. “When Paul and Julio started messing around with each other on the first downwind leg, it made it possible for me to catch up and by the last downwind leg the three of us were each a half boat length apart in a race to the finish, with two others ahead of us (who were not in contention).” Myrgren’s break came when he surfed ahead of Alsogaray on “the last couple of waves” at the finish to take third, leaving Alsogaray to fourth and Goodison to sixth.
It was sweet redemption for Myrgren, who was second behind Goodison going into the medal races at the 2008 Olympics and the only one with a mathematical chance at beating him for Gold. “In that race, Paul made sure to cover me, and we were both two minutes behind the rest of the fleet at the finish, because all he had to do was beat me. I was dead last, and so I fell to sixth overall. It is indicative of the pressures of a medal race on your final score.”
In the 58-boat Laser Radial class US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member and ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla., USA) had a Gold Medal sewn up today as long as she didn’t get disqualified. “I didn’t push it at all today,” said Railey, noting that her throw-out race for her lead-up series was a 59-pointer acquired from a black flag in race two. “I rounded the first mark fourth or fifth and just stayed relaxed, then rounded the next mark in first! The others were battling for the other medals, so I felt almost like I was watching it from the outside.” Railey said Sarah Steyaert (FRA) passed her on the last leg to win and take the Silver Medal. “It was down to one boat for her, so she was sailing hard,” said Railey. Evi van Acker (BEL), who had topped the scoreboard for several days this week, finished fourth today for eight points and the Bronze Medal, based on a tie-breaker in scoring that had her showing the same overall points as van Acker.
It was a triple-play for Great Britain in the 37-boat Finn class, with Giles Scott winning the Gold Medal; Ben Ainslie taking the Silver; and Andrew Mills the Bronze. Winning over half of his races in the leadup series, Scott said getting good starts gave him a half-boat length jump on the fleet to “enable me to tack off when I wanted.” Nevertheless, he had gold to lose today if he had finished even one spot farther back than he did (fifth). That was because Ainslie won the race today, with Mills finishing sixth. Ainslie is a four-time (three-time Gold) Olympic medalist and three-time ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year.
“Today’s medal race was pretty tricky,” said Scott. “I was trying to go after Andrew and Ben just to kind of ruffle them a bit, and I managed to give Ben a penalty turn (before the start). Unfortunately that penalty turn forced him out to the right, which was favored, and he won the race, which kind of made things a bit difficult for me. But holding on to fifth was what I needed to do, and that’s what I did, so I’m massively happy!”
In Men’s 470, the battle between two British teams has been intense all week long, but today Nic Asher/Elliot Willis turned in the Gold Medal performance, pushing British teammates Luke Patience/Stuart Bithell (yesterday’s leaders) to third overall for the Bronze. Australia’s Mathew Belcher/Malcolm Page, 470 class world champions who are ranked #1 in the world, took the Silver slot between them.
By winning today’s medal race in the 24-boat Women’s 470 class, Argentina’s 2008 Olympians Maria Fernanda Sesto/Consuelo Monsegur moved themselves past Camille Lecointre/Mathilde Geron (FRA) to snag the bronze, showing how critical the medal race can be in securing a podium finish. “We had it in mind to win, but if the French had come in second we would not have made the medal. We had to beat them and put one boat between us.”
Skipper Fernanda Sesto added, “It was not an easy, this medal race; you need to be mentally fast, focusing not just on what is happening but what will happen.”
Yesterdays’ leaders Ingrid Petijean/ Nadege Douroux (FRA) took the gold on merit of a fourth-place finish today while Penny Clark/ Katrina Hughes (GBR), in second overall yesterday, maintained that position for the Silver Medal after turning in a second-place finish.
In the 57-boat Star class, Robert Scheidt and Bruno Prada (BRA), who together won the Star Olympic Silver Medal in 2008, clinched their 10-race series and the Gold Medal here, winning today’s race and leaving the battle for the Silver Medal to Sweden, Canada and France. When Sweden’s Fredrik Loof/Max Salminen finished third today, they assured themselves the second spot on the podium, knocking Xavier Rohart/Pierre Alexis Ponsot (FRA) out of contention and leaving Richard Clark/Tyler Bjorn (CAN) to collect the Bronze.
Top-three positions from yesterday were maintained in the 29-boat 49er class when GBR’s John Pink/ Rick Peacock finished third today to claim the Gold and lead, by a whopping 19 points, fellow teammates Paul Brotherton/Mark Asquith (GBR) in the overall standings. Brotherton and Asquith won today’s race, securing the Silver over yet another British team, Dave Evans/Edward Powys, who took home Bronze.
In the 30-strong RS:X Women’s (windsurfing) fleet, Spain’s Marina Alabau seemed untouchable here. With eight races in her lead-up series, she had six of those counting as victories. Today she finished 7th, which was good enough for Gold and a five-point spread over Silver Medalist Bryony Shaw (GBR) and another six over Bronze medalist Laura Linares (ITA). Alabau has won the last three Rolex Miami OCRs and says the competition this year has been the toughest. “It is closer to the Olympics and the level is higher. Everybody is more prepared.”
In RS: X Men’s, with 37 boards, Dorian van Rijsselberge (NED) kept his early regatta lead to finish fifth today and take the Gold Medal. Only two points behind him was Nick Dempsey (GBR) for Silver. Julien Bontemps (FRA) surged past Nimrod Mashiah (ISR) on the scoreboard today to take
the Bronze. He was second to Mashiah’s sixth today and shared the same overall points, but the tiebreaker favored Mashiah.
Match Racing started early this morning, with Claire Leroy/ Elodie Bertrand/Marie Riou (FRA) meeting Anna Tunnicliffe/Molly Vandemoer/Debbie Capozzi (Plantation, Fla., USA/Redwood City, Calif./Bayport, N.Y., USA) in a first-to-three points “knockout” Finals match. Serious sailing went down as Leroy’s team took the first two matches and Tunnicliffe came back to win the third. A fourth and final match went to Leroy, giving her the Gold and Tunicliffe the Silver.
“It is what it is,” said Tunnicliffe, the three-time (consecutive and current) Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and a member of the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. “If you lose, you want to lose in a good race, and it was a really good race…very entertaining for the spectators, with lots of lead changes. Claire is one of the most experienced match racers on the circuit, and sometimes I beat her and sometimes she beats me; it was going to be who was on their game today.”
Leroy is the 2008 ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Championship and is ranked second to Tunnicliffe’s fourth on the women’s world match racing circuit. They both are ISAF Rolex World Sailors of the Year.
In the Petit Finals for Bronze (a first-to-two points knockout match), US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics member Sally Barkow/Alana O’Reilly/Elizabeth Kratzig-Burnham (Nashotah, WI.,/Charleston SC, Miami Beach FL, USA) posted a win-loss score of 2-1 to win over Lucy Macgregor/Mary Rook/ Kate Macgregor (GBR).
Golden Torch Award
US SAILING’s Golden Torch Trophy, awarded to the U.S. sailor with the best overall performance at US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR, this year went to Laser Radial Gold Medalist Paige Railey (Clearwater, Fla.). The torch, from the 1980 Moscow Olympics, was presented by the Russian Olympic Committee to Andrew Kostanecki – United States Olympic Sailing Committee from 1985 to 1988. Mr. Kostanecki gave the torch to US SAILING as an award for aspiring Olympians and Paralympians. Railey also received the award last year.
US SAILING’s Rolex Miami OCR 2012 started Monday and has returned to Biscayne Bay annually since 1990. The event is the second of seven stops on the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Cup circuit. The USA had the largest contingent of sailors with 198, followed by Canada (97), Great Britain (39), then Italy (36).
US SAILING has partnered with the city of Miami to provide world-class venues for competition. Additional hosts for the event include Coral Reef Yacht Club, Key Biscayne Yacht Club, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Miami Rowing Club and Shake-a-Leg Miami. These sailing organizations host classes onshore, as well as help run the on-the-water racing. The Coral Reef Yacht Club also hosts the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
A complete roster of competitors can be viewed at the event website, RMOCR.ussailing.org, where real-time racecourse blogging, commentary and fan interaction, regatta results, photos and news updates will be integrated into a live coverage platform once racing begins. Video highlights produced by Gary Jobson and presented by Rolex air daily and are available on-demand on the event website. Fans can also follow the event on Facebook/RolexMiamOCR and Twitter/ RolexMiamOCR.
US Sailing’s Rolex Miami OCR is back in Coconut Grove this week. Ground Zero is the US Sailing Center in Coconut Grove where 716 sailors will pass through this time around.
in 13 classes selected for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Rolex Miami OCR is the second stop on the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Sailing World Cup 2010-2011 circuit.
Opening Ceremony of Rolex Miami OCR 2011
“There are 53 countries represented here,” said US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics Coach Luther Carpenter as he made his rounds yesterday, “and the fleets are extremely deep with talent. If someone feels like they have a good chance to finish top-four in every race, then that usually means not all of the top players are here; I don’t think there is any sailor thinking that way.”
The US has the largest group of sailors with 197, Canada, Great Britain and Italy have 97, 39 and 36 respectively. You’ll probably see the sailors and their families all around the Grove this week as they enjoy what the Grove has to offer. To view a video of Wednesday sailing racing recap and interview with Andrew Campbell (USA Skipper Star Class) visit http://MiamiCaptain.com this link will take you directly to such video post!
I enjoy meeting people and getting to know about them. In part I suppose because it is such a positive experience since hey, you are in the ocean, piloting a yacht with people who just want to enjoy themselves. It is a certainly a leisure and pleasant scenario which permeates the day.
At the same time I also enjoy teaching kids how to sail. And even though this scenario might be a bit hectic at times, it is certainly very rewarding. I have had the opportunity to teach sailing to kids for the last 18 years. It was back in 1992 when I first started volunteering at Shake A Leg Miami and, I have never looked back!
At Shake A Leg Miami, located in Coconut Grove I have had the opportunity to grow as a person and contribute to my community. This past Summer I worked there as a sailing instructor and in my opinion as a counselor, you should see all the dynamics that can develop in a Summer Camp when you have boys and girls ages 9-14 doing all kind of water activities and the silliness that ensues which to them, is their world.
Nevertheless, it is amazingly rewarding for me to take a student that his/her first day on a sailboat is just uneasy and almost frighting to watching him/her develop the skills to sail but moreover, to have him/ her grow in confidence and enjoyment.
Here below is a video that captures some moments with some of my students this past Summer sailing in beautiful Biscayne Bay. And of course if you need a courteous, friendly boat captain for your boat piloting or yacht delivery, I am looking forward to meeting and serving you. – Hoping you enjoy the video!
Right after the new year the boat captain service demand is upon us one more time. This is when many of the “snow birds” want yacht delivery service or just to have some one with area knowledge to pilot their vessels while they sun and drink tropical cocktails and, who could blame them for that.
Boaters are very aware of this fact thus, the high demand.
If you are looking to hire Miami local area sea piloting services, we at Miami Boat Captain are ready and able to provide you with our most friendly service. Form pleasure boating or boat transfer, try our service once and, you certainly will be glad you did!
If you have ever owned a boat or have planned to buy one, you’ll ultimately have to purchase of boat lettering and this shouldn’t be taken lightly! Most lettering comes in two basic types. Painted lettering is generally done by a local lettering artist (preferably one with boat lettering experience. The quality of the lettering will depend on the experience of
the craftsman and his brush. Computer fabricated vinyl boat lettering is the more popular type and it can be made at many local sign shops and hundreds of places on the web. There’s no shortage of vendors that can make boat lettering for you. The hardest part of boat lettering is actually picking the best possible name. Picking out a good name for your pleasure craft should be something you will take a little time with! Don’t t settle on the very first name that pops-up in your mind, even if it sounds like a great name. Research any name you like first before actually buying any kind of boat lettering. Here are the key components you should consider to get the very best name for your pleasure craft:
1. Decide on the personality of your watercraft.
The boat name will establish the personality of your boat even more so than the physical appearance of your boat. For example, I know a guy that has flipped his speedboat twice and the same number of times he had to recover the boat from the sea bottom. He named his boat “Sunk Twice”. There is no doubt is is truly a unique name and it’s even a story in itself, but is it a good boat name? I’m sure his drinking buddies adore the name. But if you plan to invite your neighbors 13 year old kid to go fishing with you and your 12 year old, lots of luck persuading other parents to let the kid come along!
2. Forget about the best boat name listings you’ll find on the internet and at lettering vendors!
There really are a lot of really good names out there. Sweet sounding names like ” Too bad that everyone uses them over and over. With some of the real popular names, you can often find multiple boats at the marina all claiming to be “Miss Behavin or Aquaholic or Obsession” If you look on the internet there are hundreds of listings for the ”MOST POPULAR BOAT NAMES” . Pay attention because this is your list of names to avoid! The trick in picking your boat name is to find a new and unique boat name that is every bit as good as “Wet Dream or Liquid Asset” or Wind Dancer”. Avoid the overused boat names. You’ll regret picking the same name that 30 other boats on the lake happen to also share!
3. Pick a name that means something to you or to someone you love.
The number one mistake in picking a boat name is we try and pick the boat name that might be the most impressive. Instead pick a name that is the most valuable. You are paying for the boat so why name it for the amusement of strangers. Name the boat for your own purpose and select a name that actually provides you the amusement or the enjoyment.
There are a number of places to research your boat name. There are books in the library that cover the subject very well. You can also take a popular name and tailor it to your own liking. For example “Obsession” is one of the very popular boat names. Why not customize it, such as “Kristy’s Obsession” or even more daring but cool “My Wet Obsession” to add a bit of dark humor to the name. Or better yet, consider using a live database that is more than just a compiled list of names. Here is a live research tool that has all of the historical and popular names but also is interactively live with users worldwide searching for the yet unknown best boat lettering name. New names are added (minute by minute) as others, like yourself, enter boat names into the database. An interactive database is the first place you’ll find tomorrows – yet unknown – best names.
The NOAA fisheries Vessel Documentation Search isn’t a vessle name database tool per se, but it is a great source to find out just how overused a name might be. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service is a federal agency division of the Department of Commerce which is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s living marine resources and their habitat. However, their Vessle Documentation Search is a free tool and can be used as a simple name search to see how many registered boats are already using the potential name you might pick. NOAA’s Vessel Documentation search here: http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html
The interactive name suggestion database and the NOAA site will give you an unlimited source of new names for boat lettering and a national database that will tell you if the name you picked is already in heavy use. While the NOAA site isn’t going to contain data on small private craft, you can be assured if a name is over used in registrations, it will also be over used in private watercraft as well.
Investing a little of your time now to find a great name for boat lettering will provide greater enjoyment of your watercraft by preserving the mood that motivated you to purchase the watercraft ih the first place. The peaceful-easy-feeling is one of the true pleasures of enjoying your watercraft. But it does come at a price. It will cost you with the fuel you will buy, slip rentals at the marina, insurance and taxes… not to mention the endless endless trips to the marine store. Even your boat lettering will cost you — ONCE. Thereafter it will be one of the few things about your pleasure craft that just keeps rewarding you with that peaceful-easy-feeling in your choice boat name. Other than your Porta-Potty, it’s the only other part of your boat that gives you a sense of stress release and cozy comfort without costing you over and over again.
It is important to be familiar with several common terms as they relate to the anchoring system:
