You’ve probably glanced at a boat name once or twice, almost absentmindedly. From simple one-word names to those inspired by actual people, the often boldly emblazoned names identify boats, a requirement for federally documented vessels. But what inspires those names? That’s what lobsterman Victor Cole decided to find out.
In his new book, “Chasin’ Crustaceans,” which was released by Down East Books in July, Cole shares the stories behind the names of Maine lobster boats. There’s the story of “Brother Pidge,” named for a lobsterwoman’s brother who lost his life while saving his father in a boating accident. There’s also “At Last,” named for the Etta James song that was special to a fisherman and his new wife.
Named after one of the boats featured in the book, Cole said “Chasin’ Crustaceans” was something he had wanted to write for years.
“I had the idea to do this book for over 10 years. Every year I said I’ve got to do it, I’ve got to do it,” said Cole, who has been a lobsterman for 12 years and was in the marine patrol before that.
Cole was fascinated with where boat names came from.
“I was always taken with the names of boats, and I would ask [boat owners] why and the names behind them. It’s just a fascination with the names,” Cole said. “It takes a lot to name a boat. Some people will work months and months to try to come up with a name. Some people will have contests.”
In order to gather stories for his book, Cole sent a letter to all 6,000 registered fishermen in the state of Maine. Then he got out and met the ones who replied, traveling up and down the Maine coastline.
“Everybody was nice. … Fisherman, I think, are kind of proud of the names of their boats,” Cole said.
The stories, including those behind “Miss Piggy,” “Corea Choice” and “A-Salt Weapon,” are told by those who named the boats.
“I left it all in the fisherman’s words. I cleaned up a little of the grammar, but it’s the way they spoke,” Cole said.
“Chasin’ Crustaceans” is available at bookstores throughout Maine, including L.L. Bean’s flagship store and various Sherman’s locations.