Boat naming question
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
- onefishtwofish
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 1268
- Joined: February 21st, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Location: Quincy
Boat naming question
This is for everyone, but especially for the former Navy men (and women). It may seem silly, but bear me out.
I have been searching for names for my boat (19' Ranger flats boat) and have just not hit on the right one like my old Carolina Skiff (my screen name). I have been searching for a play on the word Helm as that is nautical and also my last name. In my research, I came upon a ship I had never heard of, the USS Helm. It was named after Admiral James Helm (my father's name-without the Admiral). I searched my family tree as well as his and it appears we are no relation, I took his back to Revolution, mine back to 1600s. My son is a history major trying to be a history teacher with his major area of interest WWII, so there is a connection there.
The USS Helm was the only ship at sail from Pearl harbor at the time of the attack, it was damaged but not sunk and went on to serve the entire war, later decommissioned after the war and sank in bomb testing.
Would it be poor form to name my boat "USS Helm"? Would any Navy veterans find this in poor taste rather than an homage? I really don't care what folks think of my boat name, but would not want it to be offensive to the men and women that have served our country.
I have been searching for names for my boat (19' Ranger flats boat) and have just not hit on the right one like my old Carolina Skiff (my screen name). I have been searching for a play on the word Helm as that is nautical and also my last name. In my research, I came upon a ship I had never heard of, the USS Helm. It was named after Admiral James Helm (my father's name-without the Admiral). I searched my family tree as well as his and it appears we are no relation, I took his back to Revolution, mine back to 1600s. My son is a history major trying to be a history teacher with his major area of interest WWII, so there is a connection there.
The USS Helm was the only ship at sail from Pearl harbor at the time of the attack, it was damaged but not sunk and went on to serve the entire war, later decommissioned after the war and sank in bomb testing.
Would it be poor form to name my boat "USS Helm"? Would any Navy veterans find this in poor taste rather than an homage? I really don't care what folks think of my boat name, but would not want it to be offensive to the men and women that have served our country.
Ducks, turkeys, flats fishing. Who has time for golf?
- onefishtwofish
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 1268
- Joined: February 21st, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Location: Quincy
Re: Boat naming question
PS "Takes the Helm" is my next leading candidate, but I am not in love with that one. My staff want me to name it Knot on Call.
Ducks, turkeys, flats fishing. Who has time for golf?
-
- Posts: 91
- Joined: April 17th, 2009, 2:06 pm
Re: Boat naming question
IF you have a job where your on call some of the time I would go with the staff . Knot on Call .
- fishinfool
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 3129
- Joined: June 17th, 2009, 8:58 pm
Re: Boat naming question
My first thought was a pun involving helmet. You probably heard enough of that in grade school to last you 2 lifetimes. As far as naming your boat the USS anything, you might want to check with the Department of the Navy. I believe they have a monopoly on that particular title.USS(United States Ship) refers to a U.S. warship. You may, however want to name it the M.V. Helm, in honor of the warship. M.V. refers to motor vessel.
JM.02
FF
JM.02
FF

Re: Boat naming question
Being the size it is, maybe call it the Admiral's Launch
but I doubt that anyone would take offense to nameing it the USS HELM
if it was a ship, instead of a boat, that would be a different matter all together





“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.”


Re: Boat naming question
I agree with the M/V Helm, if you decide to go that route. The PS Takes the Helm is catchy. The Knot On Call is also a good one (although I have seen that one before, but who cares, if it fits, name it that and enjoy).
How about "Come Helm Or High Water" or just "Helm Or High Water". They have your name sake in them as well as a nautical reference. If you go strictly with "Helm Or High Water" you get the added bonus of having "H2O" in the name as well (Clever right
). Good luck with your boat naming.
How about "Come Helm Or High Water" or just "Helm Or High Water". They have your name sake in them as well as a nautical reference. If you go strictly with "Helm Or High Water" you get the added bonus of having "H2O" in the name as well (Clever right

"Be Careful Not To Confuse Motion With Progress."
- BAD BEHAVIOR
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 2516
- Joined: April 25th, 2007, 11:08 pm
- Location: adel/cairo, ga
Re: Boat naming question
If your like most of the worthy sea men I know, you could utilize my screen name. however, Its already taken!!! 

A wise person pays attention to correction that will improve his life...... Proverbs 15:31 ICB <")))))>*<
TEAM BAD BEHAVIOR
TEAM BAD BEHAVIOR
-
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 12120
- Joined: December 12th, 2001, 8:00 pm
- Location: Tallahassee
Re: Boat naming question
This from someone who seems to have quit fishing.BAD BEHAVIOR wrote:If your like most of the worthy sea men I know, you could utilize my screen name. however, Its already taken!!!

WHOSE FISH IS IT?
-
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 12120
- Joined: December 12th, 2001, 8:00 pm
- Location: Tallahassee
-
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 5113
- Joined: June 29th, 2003, 6:31 pm
- Location: Panhandler
Re: Boat naming question
Jumptrout51 wrote:S.S. Helm would be acceptable to CG and USN.
As a former sailor, I like this option.
Re: Boat naming question
reelbad wrote:"GIVE EM HELM" ?

Or maybe "What? The Helm"?

Last edited by Harmsway on February 13th, 2011, 11:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
To fish, or not to fish, . . . those are the answers.
Re: Boat naming question
x2 or maybe AT THE HELM...Harmsway wrote:reelbad wrote:"GIVE EM HELM" ?
Stay Thirsty My Friends
- onefishtwofish
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 1268
- Joined: February 21st, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Location: Quincy
Re: Boat naming question
Okay, right now SS Helm and Takes the Helm are leading.
Also, a nautical term that I like the sound of for two reasons:
Slack Helm
From what I read, if federally registered (ie name) USS would be a no-no. But since MV are not registered by name if state registered, it is not illegal. I just don't want to be offensive, and SS would solve that.
Also, a nautical term that I like the sound of for two reasons:
Slack Helm
From what I read, if federally registered (ie name) USS would be a no-no. But since MV are not registered by name if state registered, it is not illegal. I just don't want to be offensive, and SS would solve that.
Ducks, turkeys, flats fishing. Who has time for golf?
- onefishtwofish
- Site Sponsor
- Posts: 1268
- Joined: February 21st, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Location: Quincy
Re: Boat naming question
PS thanks for the ideas
Ducks, turkeys, flats fishing. Who has time for golf?