Its takes a couple of days.. and requires lots of booze to apease the gods of the sea.
First of all, take the log book off the boat.
Then remove and destroy every artcile on the boat with its name on. Don't just paint over the name, remove it.. then pour out some booze over the deck and dance about suitably mysteriously, better yet naked, thanking the sea gods for teh protection that the vessel has enjoyed in the past.. pour them a drop or two as well, then guzzle the rest yourself.
Next da, or whenever the police release you, do a proper naming ceremony with other bottle of good stuff involking protection from suitable maritime deities, saints etc etc etc.. haven't a clue about the technical bits.. but suspect new VHF licence/callsign, new registry entry at SSR. etc etc,
If it isn't Part 1 or SSR registered then you can do what you like - just remember to run some checks to see if the previous owner has the right to sell it to you (ie unencumbered by loan or mortgage).
As to the "spiritual stuff" I have heard that it only bad luck to reneme a wooden boat - GRP is OK!
Madoc Yacht Club
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