Outboard Boat Names: Placement And Visibility Tips

Boat owners have different preferences for where to place the name of their boat. Some opt for the transom, the port and starboard bow on the hull, or the port side of the transom. Others prefer the sides of the boat, towards the back or the stern, or on the bow. There are also those who choose to hang a name board from the railing or display the name on a placard under the rail. Ultimately, the decision is a matter of personal taste and may depend on factors such as the size and style of the boat, the presence of other graphics or logos, and the visibility of the desired location.

Port and starboard bow on the hull

If you're looking for a place to put your boat's name on the outboard, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that the placement of the boat's name may depend on the type of boat and your personal preferences. Here are some suggestions for placing the boat's name on the port and starboard bow of the hull:

• Commercial vessels: For commercial vessels, it is a requirement to have the vessel's name displayed on both the port and starboard sides of the bow, in addition to the stern. This is specified by the USCG National Vessel Documentation Center.
• Visibility: Ensure that the boat's name is clearly visible and complies with any relevant regulations. The USCG specifies that the name should be at least four inches in height and made with durable, clearly legible letters.
• Aesthetics: Consider the overall aesthetics of the boat when choosing a font and size for the boat's name. You may want to avoid placing the name in areas that are already crowded with logos or other graphics.
• Resale value: Keep in mind that the boat's name may be difficult to remove if it is painted directly onto the hull. Consider using removable stickers or decals to make it easier to change or remove the name in the future.
• State and local regulations: In addition to federal requirements, there may be specific state or local regulations for boat naming conventions and placement. Be sure to check with the relevant authorities to ensure compliance.

Ultimately, the placement of the boat's name on the port and starboard bow of the hull is a decision that depends on your personal preferences, the type of boat, and any applicable regulations. Be sure to consider the visibility, aesthetics, and resale value when making your decision.

Port and starboard stern on the hull

The port and starboard stern on the hull refer to the back end of a boat, on the left and right sides, respectively. These terms are used to refer to the same portion of the vessel's structure, regardless of the position of the person aboard the vessel.

The port side is the left side of the vessel when facing forward, towards the direction the vessel is heading. The starboard side is the right side of the vessel when facing forward.

When deciding where to place the name of your boat, consider that the port and starboard stern on the hull are visible locations that can provide a clear view of the boat's name. This option may be especially suitable if your boat has multiple outboards, as the name may not be easily seen from the stern.

In the United States, recreational vessels are not required to have a name displayed. However, if you choose to name your boat, the placement of the name is generally based on personal preference and aesthetic considerations. Some boaters opt to put the name on the port and starboard sides of the hull towards the stern, while others prefer the transom or the bow.

It is worth noting that the placement of the boat's name may be subject to different regulations in certain locations or for specific types of vessels. For example, in the case of documented commercial vessels in the US, the name must be displayed on the port and starboard bow, as well as the stern.

Transom (behind the engines)

When it comes to naming your boat, there are a few things to consider if you're thinking of placing the name on the transom (behind the engines). Firstly, the size of your boat and the available space on the transom itself. If you have a smaller boat or limited space on the transom due to features like a sun bench or outboard engines, you may need to opt for a shorter name or choose a different location altogether. Some boat owners choose to place the name on the sides of the boat or on the bow to address this issue.

Another factor to keep in mind is visibility. While the transom is a traditional spot for boat names, having the name behind the engines might make it less noticeable, especially if you have twin or multiple outboards. If you want your boat's name to be easily seen, you may want to consider alternative locations, such as the sides of the hull or the bow. This is a common solution for boats with multiple outboards, as it ensures the name is visible and not obstructed.

However, if you prefer a cleaner look without names or graphics on the sides of your boat, the transom can still be an option. In this case, consider the style and size of the lettering to ensure it's legible from a distance. You can also explore alternative materials and methods, such as wood placards or hanging name boards, which can be placed in various locations, including the transom area.

Finally, it's worth noting that, according to the US Coast Guard regulations, recreational vessels must have the boat name and hailing port displayed together on a clearly visible exterior part of the hull. While the transom is an option, you also have the flexibility to choose other locations that suit your preferences and the characteristics of your boat.

On the sides of the boat

When it comes to naming your boat, there are a few things to consider when deciding where to place the name on the sides. Firstly, think about the length of your boat's name. If you have a longer name, the sides of your boat provide more space compared to the stern or transom. This ensures your boat's name is not only visible but also legible from a distance.

Another factor to consider is the design and layout of your boat. If you have a twin outboard or multiple outboards, placing the name on the sides will ensure it is not obstructed by the engines. Additionally, if your boat has a logo or other graphics on the sides, you may need to adjust the placement of the name to avoid a cluttered appearance. Consider placing the name towards the back or front of the boat to create a balanced look.

The height at which you place the name on the sides is also important. For recreational vessels, the US Coast Guard requires the name to be displayed with letters at least four inches in height. Ensure that the name is placed at a height where it can be easily read by passengers and other boaters.

Finally, consider your personal preferences and aesthetic tastes. Some people prefer a subtle look, while others may want a more prominent display. You can also get creative with the font style, colour, and design of the lettering to make it unique and meaningful to you.

Remember, the key is to ensure that the name is clearly visible and complies with any relevant regulations.

On the bow

The bow of a boat is a great place to put your boat's name. This is especially true if you have a sun bench at the back of your boat, or a dinghy on a lift platform that obscures the name on the transom.

If you're USCG documented for anything other than purely recreational use, you need the name on the sides of the bow in addition to the name and hailing port on the stern. For commercial vessels, the vessel name must be displayed on both sides of the bow, and the hailing port must be displayed on the stern.

The bow is also a good option if you want to avoid ghosting on the sides of the boat. If you decide to sell your boat, oxidation, wear and other factors can make the name permanently visible in the gel coat after removal, even with compounding and waxing.

The bow is also a good option if you want to be able to see the name of your boat when docking bow-in.

Ultimately, it's your boat, so put the name wherever you see fit!

Frequently asked questions