Renaming your vessel is a special time for everyone. Whether this is your first new boat, or it is your newly aquired 1979 Boston Whaler, the renaming process cannot be taken lightly. Once a new name for your vessel is carefully and painstakenly aquired you must begin a ritual that will ensure the success of you and your vessel. Throughout time renaming a boat has been taboo. It meant dispare upon her crew and her owners if her original first name is removed. Luckily there is hope, and a way to rid these tragedities.

First a purging process must begin. Old records, logbooks, and anything else baring the old name of the vessel must be removed. Then remove the name from the boat itself. It is important not to carry anything with the new name aboard until this ceremony is complete.

Next you will need a good bottle of champagne, and don't be stingy, your vessel deserves the best. You will also need a metal plate with the old name written on it in water soluable ink.

Begin by summoning the ruler of deep;

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (here insert the old name of your vessel) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. (At this point, the prepared metal tag is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.) In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West. The remainder may be passed among your guests.)

You are now ready to rename your vessel. This renaming ceremony is usually conducted right after the purging ceremony. You will need another bottle of champagne as you call to Poseiden;

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm. In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)

Of course you will need to honor the wind gods as well.

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs.

(Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone:) Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath.

(Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning:) Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath.

(Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.

(Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.

After these ceremonies are performed your vessel is now ready for its many years of safe voyages that are bound to please its captain. You can bring upon all items barring her new name, including your new decal for her.

Good Luck and enjoy your new boat name!