Narrowboat Name Generator

We’ve designed this narrowboat name generator to help you choose a name for your narrowboat! We advise people to use it for inspiration, or to mix and match first and last names provided by the boat name generator.

Simply click the button to generate a narrowboat name – each time you click, a new boat name will be generated!

Narrowboat Name Generator

Generate Name

Naming a Canal Narrowboat

When naming a narrowboat, there are a few informal etiquette guidelines that are generally followed:

Uniqueness: It’s a good idea to choose a unique name for your boat. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps in identifying your boat easily, especially in busy waterways or when communicating with marinas and lock keepers.

Brevity: Since space on a narrowboat is limited, shorter names are often preferred. They are easier to paint or display on the boat and are more readily recognizable.

Offensive Names: Avoid names that could be considered offensive or in bad taste. Remember that your boat’s name will be seen by a wide variety of people, including families and children.

Puns and Humour: Many boat owners enjoy using puns or humorous names. This is quite common in the boating community and can add a bit of fun and personality to your boat.

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural and historical sensitivities when naming your boat. Avoid names that could be seen as disrespectful or culturally insensitive.

Registration and Documentation: If you’re registering your boat, check with the relevant authorities about any naming rules or restrictions. Some regulatory bodies may have guidelines on the types of names that can be registered.

Personal Significance: Often, boat owners choose names that have personal significance to them – it could be a play on their name, a tribute to a loved one, a favourite place, or something that reflects their interests or hobbies.

Remember, while these guidelines are common, there’s a lot of flexibility in naming your boat. The most important thing is that the name resonates with you and reflects your personal connection to your narrowboat.

Can I Rename a Narrowboat?

Yes, you can rename a narrowboat, but there are a few considerations and traditions to keep in mind:

Superstition: In maritime tradition, renaming a boat is sometimes considered bad luck. However, this is more of a nautical superstition than a hard rule. If you’re concerned about this, there are ceremonial ways to appease the ‘sea gods’ by de-naming the boat first and then renaming it, usually involving a small ceremony and sometimes a bit of humour.

Documentation and Registration: If your boat is registered, you’ll need to update its name with the relevant authorities. This might include changing the name on the boat’s registration documents, insurance policies, and any other official records.

Informing Marinas and Locks: If you frequent certain marinas or use specific locks, it’s a good idea to inform them of the name change. This helps ensure that records are up to date and there’s no confusion in the future.

Physical Renaming: You’ll need to remove the old name from the boat and apply the new name. This usually involves some physical work, like painting or applying decals.

Considerations for Communication: Remember that the name of your boat is often used for identification and communication on the water. Ensure that your new name is clear and easily communicated over radio or other means.

Renaming Ceremony: Some boat owners choose to have a renaming ceremony. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you like – it’s more about personal preference and celebrating the new name. Some people believe the boat should only be renamed when out of water, so they will rename a boat when it has been lifted from the water for hull blacking or other boat maintenance.

Overall, renaming a narrowboat is entirely doable and is a common practice. Just ensure that you take care of the practical aspects like documentation and physical renaming, and enjoy the process of giving your boat a new identity.

Thanks for reading! We hope you find the best name for your narrowboat! Please remember to visit our narrowboat and canal shop before you leave!