200 Creative Fishing Boat Names (Recommended by a Fisherman!)

Did you know that naming your boat will be the most important decision you make after purchasing your vessel? With the possibilities of names being endless, it’s easy to become overwhelmed when it comes to settling on a name. For as far back as we can remember, it has been human nature for a person to name their boat.

There are many ideas you’ll get to choose from when picking a name for your fishing boat. We’ve rounded up some fishing boat ideas along with the process to make it easier for choosing and placing your name on the vessel. Remember, you get one shot at your choosing your name, so you want to make it count!

Now sit back and relax as we dive into our collection of 200 creative fishing boat names. We promise you won’t leave disappointed!

Hilarious Fishing Boat Names

Hilarious fishing boat names are perfect for boat owners who have a great sense of humor. Every person is different when it comes to what they believe is funny or not, so it’s interesting to see all of the creative, hilarious boat names there are out on the water. If you strive to make people laugh when they look at your boat, this section is for you.

The majority of fishing boat names are going to be either clever or funny. Some boat owners will take it more seriously, however, most are just cruising the water to have a good time. Below we’ve put together some of the most hilarious boat names out there you can choose from.

• The Crabby Lady
• Buoy Oh Buoy!
• Ship for Brains
• License to Shill
• Chicken Ship
• Moor Than Meets the Eye
• Sloop Doggy Dogg
• The Codfather
• Hook, Line, and Thinker
• Salty Test Tackles
• Baiter Late Than Never
• Fishin’ Impossible
• Another Sail in the Coffin
• To Be Oar Not to Be
• Broke but Afloat
• The Lazy Susan
• Playin’ Hooky
• Knot Stolen
• Harambe McBoatface
• Wasted Seamen
• Knot Too Bad
• She’ll Get Over It
• I’m AFraid Knot
• Knot for Sail
• Pier Pressure
• Fifty Shades of Me
• Your Favorite Mistake
• It’s Aboat Time
• Breaking Bass
• In a Meeting
• Zombies Can’t Swim
• Water You Lookin’ At?
• On the Rocks
• Error 404: Fish Not Found
• The Aquaholic
• The Bikini Inspector
• The Salt Swallows
• The Sea-Ductress
• That’s Alotta Ocean
• The Weekend Edition

Favorable Fishing Boat Names

When seeking out a boat name, not everyone will lean towards choosing a pun to place on their boats. Some boat owners like to go unnoticed when on the water and draw little attention to themselves. Favorable fishing boat names are accepted by the majority of boat owners and used widely.

Below, we’ve put together a collection of favorite fishing boat names you can consider when naming your boat. When choosing a favorite name, you should choose one that is easy and that stands out. Your boat name will be sure to make your fishing experience more memorable.

• The Seaduction
• Alabama Slammer
• Take a Chill Pill
• The White Pearl
• Buoys and Gills
• Ships and Giggles
• Sin or Swim
• Fishy Business
• The Slippery Monkey
• Knight of the Caribbean
• The Best Sailection
• To Sea or Knot to Sea
• Dream Weaver
• Endless Summer
• In a Meeting
• The Unsinkable
• Worth the Wait
• Dazed and Confused
• Put it on My Bill
• Still Paying it Off
• That Sounds Fishy
• Sea Ya Later
• Two Tickets to Paradise
• Twist and Shout
• Rock the Boat
• We Were on a Break
• A Wave From it All
• Barely A Wake
• It’s a Shore Thing
• The Great White
• The Grim Reefer
• Tuna Colada
• Fin and Tonic
• On the Docks
• Gone With the Wind
• Finding Nemo
• Fish and Ships
• It’s Nacho Boat
• The Baits Motel
• The Black Pearl

Related Read: 75 Funny Irish Boat Names

Movie-Inspired Fishing Boat Names

In the summer, spending time on your boat is a typical family-friendly affair that you might enjoy on the weekends. You may also be one of those people who love staying home, bundled up on the couch, and watching your favorite film. Naming your boat after your favorite movie is a unique way of giving your boat a name many will remember.

For those of you who love movie-based trivia, giving your boat a movie-inspired name might just stump your guests when they come aboard. Below, we have put together a collection of movie-inspired fishing boat names from television and movie films.

• Gilligan’s Island
• Slice of Life (Television Series: Dexter)
• Shag at Sea (Movie: Austin Powers)
• The Inferno (Movie: The Goonies)
• Jenny (Movie: Forest Gump)
• The Poseidon: (Movie: Poseidon)
• Bueller (Movie: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off)
• Dark Knight (Movie: The Dark Knight)
• Hello, Clarice (Movie: Silence of the Lambs)
• Here’s Johnny (Movie: The Shining)
• Maverick (Movie: Top Gun)
• Woody (Movie: Toy Story)
• Marty McFly (Movie: Back to the Future)
• Judgment Day (Movie: The Terminator)
• Death Row (Movie: The Green Mile)
• Private Ryan (Movie: Saving Private Ryan)
• Neo (Movie: The Matrix)
• Casablanca (Movie: Casablanca)
• My Fair Lady (Movie: My Fair Lady)
• Endgame (Movie: Avengers)
• Infinity War (Movie: Avengers)
• Mockingjay (Movie: The Hunger Games)
• Dead Man’s Chest (Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean)
• The Next Level
• Bad Moms (Movie: A Bad Mom’s Christmas)
• Ragnarok: (Movie: Thor)
• The Jedi: (Movie: Star Wars)
• Shhhhh, Quiet (Movie: A Quiet Place)
• I am Groot (Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy)
• The Blade (Movie: Blade Runner)

Brilliant Fishing Boat Names

When it comes to choosing a boat name, owners for the most part have a playful streak. Families who love to spend time on the water and boat together always will make a lot of great memories. By choosing a clever name for your vessel, you're setting the stage for your family and guests.

Boats give people the opportunity to spend time away from the ordinary. You can consider options based on family, work, friends, etc. Below, we have put together a collection of brilliant fishing boat names.

• Boathouse or Bust
• Beachy Keen
• Swimmer Down
• Ferry Relaxing
• Water We Doing?
• Some Fin Special
• Girls and Buoys
• Human Decent-Sea
• Time Out
• Jolly Boaters
• No More Room
• Together We Glide
• Loose Cannon
• Piggy Bank
• Sloop the Loop
• Parental Sail
• The Bay Breeze
• Ride the Tides
• Toeing the Line
• The Floaty Bunch
• It’s a Waterful Life
• God of the Sea
• Wind Waker
• Knot Working
• On the Rocks
• Yachts All Folks
• The Court Ship
• Bottoms Up
• Bewitched
• The Good Fortune
• The Poison Princess
• Full Throttle
• The Cursed Minnow
• The Deathly Hallows
• Hogwarts Express
• Atlantis
• Hurricane Run
• Queen of the Sea
• King of the Sea
• Para Docks

Related Read: 8 Best Places to Buy Used Boats

Unique, But Funny Fishing Boat Names

If you’re in the market to buy a boat, then you already know it’s a lot of work to maintain. Like the people in your home, your boat becomes another member of the family, so it deserves a unique name. Below, we’ve put together a collection of unique, but funny fishing boat names you may find appealing.

• Can of Sardines
• Tuna Helper
• Fish N’ Chips
• Off the Hook
• Bad to the Bone
• Cracker Jack
• Happy Cabbage
• Neptune Reef
• One Size Fits All
• Baked in the Cake
• Sad Hamburger
• Trouble Brewing
• Pug Boat
• Squid Pro Quo
• The Fin Finder
• Sushi Hunter
• Greased Lightning
• Reel Satisfaction
• Going Seanile
• Mental Floss
• Get Hooked
• Prestige Worldwide
• Boats R Us
• Sweet Fantasea
• Seaduction
• Devocean
• What’s Up Dock?
• Knot on Call
• Sea Patroller
• Flounder Pounder

Sporty Fishing Boat Names

If you’re a boat owner who loves sports, then you most likely own a boat that’s in it to reel in the big fish. Below, we’ve put together a collection of sporty fishing boat names best on sports and certain phrases that are used.

• The Slam Dunk
• Game of Inches
• Next Man Up
• Hail Mary
• A Win Is A Win
• Pass the Baton
• Take One For the Team
• G.O.A.T
• Curveball
• Good Punt
• Get the Ball Rolling
• Heavy Hitter
• Out of Left Field
• Sink or Swim
• Blindsided
• Call the Shots
• Front Runner
• The Home Stretch
• Hot Shot
• Jump the Gun

Related Read: Do You Need A Boating License to Rent a Boat?

Top Ten Boat Names of All-Time

While a boat’s name can vary, certain boat names seem to stick out or are used more than others. The NASS made a list of their “Top Ten Boat List” as used among boat operators.

1. Black Pearl: The Black Pearl is a fictional ship name in the Disney movie The Pirates of the Caribbean. This boat looks rough on the outside, but it would get you to where you need to go in no time.

2. Knot on Call: Knot on Call was a name that was mostly used by doctors and nurses, but now appeals to boaters of all types. Knot on Call now reaches out to workers of all types, especially ones who seem to work 24/7.

3. Seas the Day: The boat owner with this name for their boat is most likely to take charge in situations. These boat owners intend to get the most out of the boating lifestyle. These boats are most likely to be on the water the longest until the sun goes down.

4. Serenity: One of the most common and most-loved names is the name Serenity. These boat owners are typically out on the water looking to escape the stress of their busy lifestyles.

5. Pura Vida: Not only is Pura Vida popular as a tattoo, but it’s also a popular name among boat owners. In the North, Pura Vida means to live the good life and to enjoy a relaxed life. Pura Vida isn’t just for fishing boats, but can be for motorboats, too!

6. Island Time: Island Time usually means a time of relaxation. Get in your bathing suit, let the sun hit your face, and put your feet in the clear blue water.

7. Liberty: Liberty is just like the name Freedom and the boater who chooses this is a patriot through and through. This boat owner may have once is currently serving in the military.

8. Cool Change: The name Cool Change comes from Australia and defines the change of a hot summer day to a cool breeze. This boat owner is typically a lover of nature.

9. Shenanigans: This boat owner most likely likes to get into some trouble or head out to a party. Why do you think the word “Shenanigans” is used a lot on St. Patrick’s Day.

10. Scout: The name Scout typically describes the boat owner as being adventurous. Whether you’re out with friends or out with family, you’re on a mission!

Why are Boats Named After Women?

For as long as we can remember, man has wanted to explore the waters of the world by boat. Boating has become a recreational activity among families, especially in the summer and in warmer states. One of the biggest traditions is making your vessel.

Boats have been known to be named after women a lot. Although, no one knows why this is a go-to pick among men and boat owners.

Related Read: How Much Does a Pontoon Boat Cost?

The Importance of Naming Your Vessel

Naming your vessel is an important tradition that occurs before your boat even hits the water. The majority of boats are named after female figures that have either a historical or personal connection to the captain.

Some captains even will conduct a certain ceremony to keep out any bad luck when it comes to their boat. Your name will be picked, painted on your boat, and then cast off on the voyage following the ceremony.

The History of Naming Your Boat

Since the beginning of time, man has used boats to explore the world. Each culture has its own tradition of naming its boat, but they are mostly female names. While it’s not known why men tend to favor female names, there are some theories as to why.

One theory is that boats used to be named after goddesses and other feminine names when the goddesses didn’t exist. The second theory as to why boats were named after females are because of European languages. Languages such as German and French are designed so where objects can have certain male or female names.

The English also tended to lean towards naming their boats after female names. As the English evolved, the tradition of using female names for boats continued and is still used to this day.

Misunderstandings About Boat Names

Boats aren’t always named after women because men feel the need that they need to have something or someone feminine close to them. While this is true for some boats, the majority of some boats are named due to the two theories that we listed above. The process of changing the boat name of a previously-named vessel isn’t always easy.

A ceremony must be held after to ensure that nothing bad will happen to the ship. It is easier to leave your boat’s name alone than to risk anything bad happening from changing the name.

Warnings to Keep in Mind When Naming Your Boat

Choosing a name for your boat should be done with careful consideration. Selecting a name that has significant meaning to the boat owner and captain will help keep them motivated to cherish and take great care of their ship. Remember, maintenance and upkeep are important to keep in mind when it comes to your boat.

Although boats are often named after females, women at sea are considered a hazard (we are joking.) But, it is said that a woman who captains a boat has sought out doom for their bought. This is why sometimes you’ll see very few women working on boats.

Tips For Naming Your Boat

When naming your boat, you’ll find that having tips in front of you might make the process go a little more smoother. Here are seven tips to keep in mind when naming your boat.

1. Boat names are meant to be entertaining. When naming your boat, try to think of or pick a name that might make your passengers and other boat owners on the water laugh.

2. Keep it short. Keeping your boat name short is important for several reasons. When naming your boat, you want it to be simple and to the point. A one to three-word boat name is easier to remember and looks cleaner when printed.

In addition, it’s important to have a short boat name just in case of an emergency when you have to give out your vessel’s name in distress. The longer the name the more chance of someone misunderstanding it.

3. Try to be original. One of the most important things to keep in mind is to be original when naming your boat. Yes, you can look up other boat names out there, but you should try to put your own personal touch and spin on the name. Keep it simple and something that means a lot or relates to who you are personally.

4. Make it fun. When naming your boat, try to keep it fun and use your imagination. Your boat name could be the title of your favorite song or your favorite pun.

5. Don’t rush to give your boat a name. Your boat is something that will have its own personality. It suggested that you take your boat for a few test runs to see if you’ll become inspired to choose a name for your new boat. Some owners have chosen a name, only to actually change their minds once they hit the water.

6. Use movie or song names. If you have favorite movies or songs, those are always great ways of choosing a boat name. Earlier in our article, we mentioned some movie-inspired fishing boat names. This is one of the most unique ways of giving your boat a name that stands out.

7. Ask your friends and family. The people who are the closest to you may have ideas that you’ll love for your boat. Take your friends and family out for a boat ride and you can brainstorm together.

8. Get creative. Whether you have a large or small boat, the name you will give it will say a lot about you. One way to name your boat is to base it on what kind of boat it is. For example, with fishing boats, “Kickin’ Bass” would’ve been appropriate.

If you have a sailboat, “You’ve Got Sail” would be a great option. Your boat name should reflect your Nautica persona whether you’re a traveler, business person, or just a person who loves the sea.

9. Tributes work too. If you don’t want to choose any of the ways above, you can choose a name that pays tribute to someone you love. If you have a woman in your life that you love, you could name your boat after her.

Paying tribute to an important person in your life is an excellent approach for naming your boat.

What You Should Not Name Your Boat

Parting of picking out a boat name is knowing what you should NOT name your boat. There are three points that you should keep in mind when it comes to what not to name your boat. From the United States Coast Guard, the name of your boat should not have more than thirty-three characters.

This may not seem like much, however, you’d be surprised at what you can actually work with. Thirty-three characters are plenty to give you a creative and unique name. In addition, you should always try to keep it on the safe side when naming your boat.

In your boat name should be any curse words or profanity. You may also not use any racial slurs when picking out your boat name.

Lastly, your boat name should not include any words that are used to seek help at sea. In an emergency, this could make things difficult and confusing if you are in distress. These guidelines will help you avoid any complications to ensure that you are following the rules and proper etiquette when naming your boat.

Can Two Boats Have the Same Name?

If you’re planning to purchase a boat, then you already know that you’ll have to pick a name for it. When naming your boat you’ll want to pick a name that makes your boat stand out on the dock.

You may have also been wondering, “Can two boats have the same name?” Well, let’s find out.

Can two boats have the same name? The answer is yes, two boats can have the same name. Boats can have the same name because boats are identified by their hull number. In the United States and other countries, boats can have the same name even if they are the same kind of model.

However, some countries have different rules when comes to having the same name. In the United States, the majority of boats have different hull numbers. If you look online, you’ll be able to see which boat names are popular for all ages.

In Australia, your boat name must be unique because it’s required when you register your boat. If you’re choosing a bait name, it’s excellent to choose one that is common. Just keep in mind that it may cause confusion, especially if the area you have your boat has someone with the same name.

How to Choose a Unique Name For Your Boat

When choosing a name for your vessel, you’ll want to try as hard as possible to make it unique. This may seem like a challenging task, but it is possible when it’s well-thought-out.

The first thing you’ll want to do when picking a name for your boat is to check the other names of vessels that are currently in your area. Just like people try to pick unique names for their children, they’ll also try to keep it unique when it comes to their vessels.

You might be asking yourself, “How do I know what names are popular?” The first thing you’ll want to do is check the boat name database. Online boat name databases hold a registry filled with boat names.

In addition to the online database, you can search the Top 10 Boat Name list from BoatUS. To avoid confusion on the water, you’ll want to try and pick a unique name. Picking a unique name in the United States will most likely be more difficult.

In hot boat spots such as Florida and Texas, you may need to combine a few names to get that perfect unique name for your vessel.

Boat Name Sources to Use

Some boat owners choose to use different sources when it comes to developing a boat name. You can find a name almost anywhere, but having sources can sometimes narrow it down for you. Here are some inspirations aside from lists that you can take into consideration.

1. Use history. Many boat owners decide to pick their names based on history. Names from history will typically have a lot of meaning and inspiration. For example, if you’re using a name based on presidents, you can choose a name like, “Honest Abe.”

2. Legends and myths. If you’re into legends and myths, you may want to name your boat based on mythical creatures or other characters. Some boat owners have chosen to use mythical gods for their boat names. We recommend staying away from the name “Poseidon,” just to be on the safe side.

3. Music, poetry, and movies. Many boat owners choose to name their boats based on song lyrics, poems, or movie titles. These are actually great resources for names and can be clever for those who understand the references.

4. Acronyms or composites. Some boat owners will take parts of a word, like the first few letters of their favorite name, and combine it with something longer to create a made-up word. They might even take a longer phrase and combine it with an acronym.

When you do this, it will give you a boat name that is both unique and meaningful. Things to keep in mind when using this approach are to make sure you can pronounce it and spell it clearly. Sometimes these names can be difficult for those who are trying to pronounce it if they sound too difficult.

5. Fictional characters. Some boat owners choose to use fictional characters and places for their boat names. This doesn’t necessarily have to be related to boating, but something or someplace that you admire the most.

Can Boat Names Be Changed?

Have you recently bought a boat and it already has a name? If you want to rename your boat, there are certain steps that you’ll need to take. Here are some of the dos and don’ts when renaming your boat.

1. Remove the evidence of the current name. The first thing you’ll want to do is remove any evidence of the boat’s name from the vessel. This could be anything like documents, decorative items, life rings, etc.

Next, you’ll want to remove any evidence of the name from log books to any maintenance documents. After you have completed those steps, you’ll want to write the old name on a metal tag. Even after this is done, you’ll want to hold off on bringing your new name on board for now.

Once you have destroyed the evidence, you’ll then want to pick your unique name and have it registered.

How to Register Your Boat Name

Since the earliest times, the United States has been registering boat names through a process that is called vessel documentation. Even with using this process, it doesn’t apply to every boat. If your boat doesn’t need a federal registration, it still might need to be registered in your state.

1. Get your vessel documentation. The United States government requires boat owners to register their vessels with the Coast Guard to prove the boat’s nationality. To register your boat name, you need to prove that you are the boat owner.

2. Gather your forms and evidence. You can get a builder’s certification to establish ownership to name you as the owner of the vessel. Having your bill of sale with your boat’s name will also work. Once your boat name is registered, it is considered “documented.”

By this stage, you should have your boat’s name written permanently the hull. Remember, there isn’t a rule saying that two boats can’t have the same name. The registration number should be marked on the inside of your boat.