What’s In a Name?

by Peter Colombo

The tradition of naming boats goes back many years (way, way, way back). And ever since boats were given names, those names were painted prominently on the hull or stern for all to see. I could tell you about how and why boat naming started, but instead I thought I‘d explain how the lettering of boat names is done today, and how it has evolved from the hand painting techniques of the past to the computer-generated designs of today. I’m an original hand-letterer who has adapted to the computer age to add a technological component to my lettering.

When I started lettering, we did everything by hand. I guess you can call me a Pete-asorus. We used a pounce pattern, much like those used by seamstresses, to establish a guide for the lettering. I would draw the pattern on the piece of paper and then trace over it with a pounce wheel, leaving small holes around each of the letters. The pattern would be taped on the transom of the boat and I would gently pounce over the name with a cloth bag filled with chalky powder. I would the remove the paper and an outline of the name would be there, ready for paint. I’d first sketch the name on the boat with either a charcoal, chalk or stabile pencil, then hand-paint it on with a brush and lettering paint. Lettering paint was used on almost any surface, including glass, metal, plastic and wood. In those days, most boats were made of wood. When the transom was varnished up to the last coat, the name was then hand painted on using the procedure mentioned above. The media could be paint or gold leaf. Any shadows, outlines, second colors or artwork were all done by hand with a brush after the initial lettering had dried. Gold leaf required another coat of varnish to protect the gold. This process could go on for days and could only be done in good weather. When the boat needed to be repainted or re-varnished, the whole process had to be repeated all over again. A good hand-painted boat name could last ten, twelve, or more years before needing a touchup.

Today, hand painting is rarely used, the reason being that there are very few people teaching this fine art and even fewer who are willing to learn it, as the demand for hand-painted boat names has diminished. There are only a few dinosaurs like old Pete-asorus left who mastered the lettering skill. However, traditional hand lettering still has a strong following in the New England area.

So, you might ask, how is most lettering done today? Using computerized designs and high-tech, long-lasting materials. We use thin sheets of vinyl (similar to contact paper) to make the letters, design them on a computer and cut them on a device called a plotter. Vinyl is a very versatile product – it comes in many colors and grades/qualities. Boat owners can choose from temporary vinyl that lasts for a few months to vinyl that comes with anywhere from a one to nine-year warrantee. When vinyl first came out, it was graded as high performance (cast), best, or intermediate (calendared). Today, these grades still hold true – except that the calendared product keeps getting better, but it is still not equal in quality to cast. Cast has the most longevity, is more versatile and expensive. To make vinyl sheets into beautiful boat names, the letterer designs the name on a computer. After the letterer has computerized the name, a roll of vinyl is placed the plotter. The roll of vinyl is moved through the plotter and cut in the shape of the letters. When the vinyl has been cut, excess vinyl is removed, leaving only the letters on the paper backing. A transfer tape is then applied over the letters. The letters can now be removed from the paper and applied to the surface, in this case, a boat.

Sound easy? Not really! If a shadow or outline is used, the process must be repeated twice, or more, based on the number of colors. Proper alignment and skilled application, to avoid bubbles and tearing, are all necessary to achieve a finished look. These days, the lettering that used to be done directly on your boat is now being done in the sign shop and then simply applied on the boat. The time and effort (artwork, if you will) is still there, it’s just done in a different way. I also do many restorations of old hand painted names for the boaters who have had their boats for many years. Occasionally, I’ll get an order for a new hand-painted boat name, but these requests are few and far between. Today, you can get almost any design of lettering and graphics applied to your boat. Just remember to make sure to enlist the help of a letterer that will give you the quality lettering that your boat deserves.

Peter Colombo is the owner of Nautical Names in Bohemia. He can be reached at (631) 786-0010 or via email at nauticalnames@optonline.net.