There are lots of lists. Some lists are obvious. Some lists no one told you about. We'll get to the "other" lists in a bit.

You start with a candidate boat list, and you cross some off, circle others, write little notes and pictures and do a lot of ruminating. Once you have a boat, you buy some lists from the marine surveyor. There's the things you must fix and the things you should fix.

Plus, of course, you have your original notes and the things you'd like to add, but couldn't afford. But these lists are obvious: you knew about them all along.

The Other List

The other list has a bunch of jobs you were only dimly aware of.

1. Boatyard Contract. I figured some of this out. I still don't have a "contract" so I'm not sure about how this will work.

2. Marina Contract. Many boatyards are closely associated with marinas. The marina has the "other" services like a head, a common room, shore-side power, etc. Nicer marinas have stores and pools and other amenities. Since I'm using the marina services, I owe them something. I'd like to use a slip, with power, so we'll need to get a contract for that, also. I guess.

3. Pick A Name. That's right we don't have a name.

4. Coast Guard documentation. This is a per-owner kind of thing, it appears. Given the original title and bill-of-sale (with raised seals) I can apply for Coast Guard documentation. This depends on the name.

5. Radiotelephone license. I have two marine VHF radios, which require licenses. I guess I have to get my butt in gear to get this started.

6. MMSI. A newer VHF radio (with DSC), or AIS Class B Transceiver, or EPIRB require MMSI. It's essentially the vessel's telephone number. Here's a nice summary. This depends on the name, also. Until I get a DSC radio, EPIRB or AIS transceiver, this can wait.

7. Replace the monogrammed towels, the bronze boat name placard, the name on the transom, the engraved wood signs on the cockpit coamings. Replace with what? Right. Need a name.

The Name Problem

We have to solve the name problem before we can go too far.

The Team Red organization is a permanent feature of this venture.

We really, really like the "Team Red" concept. I'm eternally indebted to which-ever of my sisters coined that phrase. (I don't think anyone ever stepped up to take ownership, but I think I know who you are.)

So, what's a good red-themed boat name?

• Red Line.

• Ruby Slippers.

• Red Menace. Communist?

• Red Planet. Pretentious?

• Get The Red Out. Seems negative; and tough to broadcast over the radio.

• Red, Willing and Able. Too long.

• Red Dawn. Icky movie -- did not like.

• Crimson Tide. Too Alabama. Also, too poisonous seafood. Also, movie reference, but I did like that movie.

• Red Rum. Obscure movie reference. Like. Possible product endorsement. Do not like.

Considerations

Of course, the name must be evocative. But also, the name has to be something you want every boat for 25 miles around to hear you saying.

Try the name in this context: "Marina Cay, Marina Cay, Marina Cay, This is ----, do you have space at the fuel dock for a 42 footer?"

You don't want to be saying "Marina Cay, this is Get The Red Out," to your fellow boaters. They'd spit their gins-and-tonic out through their noses. While irony is good, dumb is bad.

Finally, a variation on the name must apply to our tender, also.