See:
http://www.sailnow.com/sail/denaming1a.html
http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/rename.htm

"Steve Helling" wrote in message
...
I know this is probably a little silly, but . . .

I'm considering buying a boat that I otherwise like, except the name,
which
I don't. I believe there is an old nautical superstition that it's bad
luck
to change a boat (or ship) name. I'm wondering how commonly this is done,
and does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Steve H.