This article is one in a series offering tips on boating skills and seamanship prepared for The Citizen by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

No doubt every one heard at one time or another that what we wear reveals something about our personality. Ditto for what kind of car we drive. The list goes on and on but thus far boats were not included. Well, I would like to inform all skippers that now boat names are included in the list.

Boat names can reveal much about the personality, lifestyle, passions or experiences of a boat owner. For 2007, the BoatU.S. list of Top 10 Most Popular Boat Names is particularly revealing:

1) Black Pearl: The name of a fast, stealthy and intimidating fictional ship from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, a recreational boat with this moniker was probably named by the kids.

2) Liberty: A patriotic name that first appeared on the Top 10 List just after 9-11, the owner of this vessel is clearly passionate about the freedoms enjoyed in the United States.

3) Second Wind: Perhaps this boat owner has had a life changing experience and feels that their boat now gives them a second lease on life.

4) Amazing Grace: It could be that this boat name borrowed from a hymn provides the boat owner with a new spiritual outlet.

5) Aquaholic: This name illustrates a boater's chronic love for the waterways. This boat is probably the first one out of the slip in the morning and the last one back in at the end of the day.

6) Knot on Call: Perhaps named by a boater in a professional field or industry with non-traditional work hours, this boat name affirms a desire to break away from work pressures.

7) Second Chance: See No. 3, Second Wind.

8) Wanderlust: Defined as “a very strong or irresistible impulse to travel,” this boat owner clearly has a passion to cruise and explore the waterways.

9) The Dog House: Being in one (Dog House) isn't necessarily bad for this boat owner as their vessel likely provides a “walled-off” escape away from the distractions of everyday life.

10) Carpe Diem or Seas the Day: This boat owner likely believes that boating allows them to enjoy life at its fullest.

In the 2006 list, Hakuna Matata, Happy Hours, Knot Working, Life is Good were included in the top 10 most popular name list.

The 2005 list includes, among others, Island Time Dragonfly, Pura Vida, Encore, Black Pearl, Destiny, Serenity Now.

I should point out that some of these names appear in more than one list, which proves that they have been popular over several years. Frankly, I don't like many of them! Those of you who share my point of view, do not despair.

The BoatU.S. Boat Graphics service offers a free library of more than 8,000 boat names and also allows boaters to easily select, custom design and preview boat names online #- without having to pay up front. For more information, visit the online service http://www.BoatUS.com/boatgraphics.

John E. Keshishoglou is the IP flotilla commander of the Ithaca Flotilla 22. He can be reached at (607) 273-7175