For most of my life, I have lived in communities where boats are part of every day life. Whether walking along the marina, crossing a bridge or relaxing at a waterfront restaurant, I have always found myself drawn to the names painted across the transoms or sterns of passing boats.

Some names made me laugh, others made me curious, a few left me wondering for years… why that name? Was it inspired by a family memory? A lifelong dream? A favorite saying? A tribute to someone special? Or was there a funny story that only the owner knew?

Over the years, I realized I couldn't be the only person asking those questions. So after retiring from a rewarding career in education, I finally had the opportunity to turn that lifelong curiosity into something bigger. That's how Transom Tales was born.

Our mission is simple: Collect and share the stories behind the names all boats from marinas, lakes, rivers, oceans, and coastlines around the world. Every boat has a name and behind every name is a story worth telling.

Through our website, social media channels, and eventually published books, we are creating a place where boat owners can preserve their stories for family and friends while sharing them with fellow boating enthusiasts everywhere.

Whether your boat’s name honors a loved one, celebrates an adventure, reflects your sense of humor, or simply has an unforgettable backstory, we'd love to hear it!

So welcome aboard! Take a look around and enjoy the stories and if you have a boat name that means something special… tell us your tale!