As you have read elsewhere on the site that we intend to rename our boat as the name RoJo while it meant everything to the previous owner means nothing to us so a change it will be.
We were told by a boat broker that to change the name we must get a piece of wood to represent the boat with its old name clearly marked and carry it in through the front of the boat and out through the back of the boat then you must then reverse the journey and finally hide the representation somewhere on the boat where it will not be found. The new name can then be adopted.
Another method even more complicated is detailed below.
BOAT NAME PURGING CEREMONY
First, you must prepare by removing every trace of the boat's current identity. Once everything that has the old name is removed, you have to make a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink.
To begin the ceremony, begin by invoking Poseidon as follows:
"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.
The renaming ceremony must be conducted immediately after the purging ceremony. For this you will need more champagne.
BOAT RENAMING CEREMONY
Begin with reading:
“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 Thisldu, 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.”
"For thousands of years, we have gone to sea. We have crafted vessels to carry us and we have called them by name. These ships will nurture and care for us through perilous seas, and so we affectionately call them 'she.' To them we toast, and ask to celebrate Thisldu."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SAILORS OF OLD…TO (new name)”
Everybody takes a sip.
"The moods of the sea are many, from tranquil to violent. We ask that this ship be given the strength to carry on. The keel is strong and she keeps out the pressures of the sea."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS OF OLD...TO THE SEA!"
Everybody takes another sip.
"Today we come to name this lady (new name), and send her to sea to be cared for, and to care for the (owner surname) family. We ask the sailors of old and the mood of God that is the sea to accept (new name) as her name, to help her through her passages, and allow her to return with her crew safely."
Everyone raises their glass and replies:
"TO THE SEA...TO THE SAILORS BEFORE US...TO (new name)"
A last, long sip by all.
Now pour a bottle of champagne across the bow to appease Poseidon.
Lay a branch of green leaves on the deck to ensure safe returns.
Break the bottle across the bow.
The ceremony is complete, and you may now apply the new name to your vessel.
Some say that this name change ceremony relates to EVERY vessel that floats on water that connects to the open sea others that it doesn’t apply to inland waterway vessels at all. We very strongly lean to the latter view.
We have in the past owned seven boats and renamed five of them. In all five cases we have simply changed the name and got on with the sailing. Narrowboat owners are similar in that many don’t worry about ceremonies big or small, complex or simple. They wait until the boat is out of the water and change the name - simples, and that is the system we used/will use.