It is boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks. When you buy a boat, there are a couple things you need to do. First, you need to make sure your boat is registered. Secondly, it is tradition to name your boat. Smart Postal Centers offers full graphic services and can produce letters and numbers for naming and registering your boat. If you are new to the boating world, there are a few traditions, ceremonies and rules that you should follow when naming and registering your boat.
Boat Registration Numbers
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| Photo Credit: Missouri Department of Revenue Website |
Boat numbers are the license plates of the boating world. The numbers consist of two alpha characters followed by four numeric characters and two more alpha characters, such as MO 1234 AB. Per Missouri Department of Revenue, these numbers need to be permanently affixed on each side of the forward half of the vessel and usually remain assigned to the same vessel when ownership transfers, except in certain situations. The numbers should be contrasting to your boat color, so if you have a light colored boat, it is recommended you use white or light colors and vice versa if you have a dark colored boat.
History of Naming Boats
Boating is almost as old as civilization itself. Ancient mariners were very religious, but also strongly superstitious people. With unpredictable weather and the unknown strengths of the open sea, they turned to their faith to protect them while out on their voyages. Both ancient Rome and Greece has their own god that rules the sea. In Roman mythology, it is Neptune, and in Greek mythology, it is Poseidon. Sailors would name their boat to honor their god in hopes that he would protect their vessel from the dangers of the sea. Legend has it Poseidon or Neptune, has a ledger with every boat’s name and he watches and protects each one. If you happen to change your boats name, he will not know, and therefore he couldn’t protect it. It is still very common to hold a christening ceremony and name your boat to protect it. If you are buying a used boat and want to change the name, you are in luck. There is a way you can make sure your boat with its new name is kept in Poseidon’s or Neptune’s ledger.
How to Properly Change Your Boat's Name
There are several different methods for renaming your boat. The most common ceremony involves a large party with lots of champagne.
The first thing you need to do before you are able to rename your boat is to remove any evidence of the old name. This includes logs, ledgers, floatation devices, key changes, vinyl decals, etc. Be very thorough in making sure you remove any item that has the boat’s old name, if you miss even one thing, Poseidon or Neptune’s record will remain unchanged. It is important to remember that once the name has been removed, it must never be mentioned in the presence of your boat.
The next step is to hold a renaming ceremony. Be sure to buy plenty of food and drinks. In ancient Greece and Rome, wine was often use in the christening or renaming ceremonies. In today’s society, champagne is more commonly used. The amount you need depends on the size of the party, but make sure you have at least three bottles for the ceremony. You must not mention or show any signs of the new name until the ceremony begins. If you have your new name applied to the hull beforehand, be sure to leave it covered until the ceremony finishes.
Begin the ceremony by ringing a bell to gather the party’s attention. Then make an appeal to Poseidon or Neptune. Next, you will make an offering by spilling champagne or wine, over the side of the boat, down the hull and into the water. After you make your offering to the sea, you must then repeat the process to make an offering for the god of the wind, asking his blessing on your boat’s travels. You will pour the champagne or wine, in all four directions of the wind, north, east, south and west. Finally, it is time to reveal the new name of the boat and celebrate knowing that your boat is safely renamed and that you will have good luck in all your boating voyages.
Naming Your Boat with Smart Postal Centers
While your ceremony may not be that extravagant, naming your boat can be a lot of fun! If you need new registration numbers or letters for your boats name, come to Lake of the Ozarks’ best printing company. Smart Postal Centers can design custom graphics for walls, windows, floors and, of course, boats! We can help you with all your graphics needs. Visit our website or call 573-348-3100 for more information on all our services.
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