After potential months of searching for your perfect boat, customizing it to your liking, and all that time waiting, you finally receive your new boat! This is a very exciting time that should be celebrated in a big way. No matter how big or small the vessel is, getting a boat is a momentous occasion that should be celebrated accordingly. There are many longstanding traditions that you can do as a new boat owner that will ensure your boat lives in good spirits. Here are just a few things you can do that will make getting a new boat even more special for you and your loved ones.

Naming Your Boat

Before any official ceremony, it is important that you give your boat a name. For centuries and beyond, it has been tradition in cultures throughout the world to name your boat. If your boat doesn’t have one, it is considered bad luck, and that is not a chance people around the world want to take. Usually, the name of your boat is meaningful to you in some way or another. Whether it be the name of someone you know or just an inside joke, it is part of the new boat process that your boat gets a name. The name of your vessel is also usually on the bow, either painted on or with vinyl stickers.

Christening Ceremony

The christening ceremony involves gathering up your friends and family to officially start the life of your new boat. What you want to grab first are some green leaves, champagne, something to drink, and some friends and family. These items (and people) are what people traditionally use to begin their ceremony. Green leaves signify a safe return, so make sure to leave them on your bow for your maiden voyage (which we will get to in just a bit). Next, you want to give a toast with your drink, to the boat and whoever else you would like to thank. Lastly, you want to smash the bottle of champagne on the bow of the boat to officially christen your boat. If you don’t want to damage the boat with this last step, you could always smash the bottle on the anchor or use a covered bottle of champagne.

Maiden Voyage

Your maiden voyage is your first official trip with your boat. You always want to make this a special one, so the time of day and location matter. You also want to bring those same family and friends along if your boat is big enough. It doesn’t just have to be a sunset cruise either. You could always go fishing, go for a swim, or plan a BBQ on your boat; there are plenty of options. Whatever it may be, make sure it is something special, so your memories of your maiden voyage last you a lifetime.

Other things you can do

There are plenty of other fun things you can do as well when you get a new boat. It is popular to have overnight excursions and really get the party started. Boating at night can be incredibly fun, and you can even invite other boats out to really emphasize the group setting. Not only is this exciting, but it builds confidence as you get to know your boat better and learn the best spots to take your boat out to. You can also host a celebration when it is time to retire your boat for the winter. Make the last excursion before the season a special one that reflects the good times you had that year with your vessel.

Boating is a lifestyle that unites people from all different parts of the world. Everyone can find something to love on a boat, as there are many different adventures you can take. Something everyone should do, however, is make getting a new boat as special as possible. A boat, if well taken care of, can last a lifetime and even be passed down to your next generation. In that case, the small moments matter, so make sure you give your boat a proper introduction to ensure a lifetime of memories.