Before the advent of modern telecommunications, ships at sea relied on visuals to identify themselves and to communicate with other vessels. Custom boat flags were designed to represent the alphabet and numbers for ships to display on their lines. Messages were actually exchanged via these flags.

Nowadays, the alphanumeric flags are still employed, but custom boat flags have come a long way for the boating enthusiast. Yacht clubs and sailing organizations have their own custom flag or burgee that is usually flown by the leisure boat owner. Similarly, a vessel owner might commission their own custom boat flag, usually bearing the name of the boat or yacht.

Boat flags are unique compared to their landline counterparts as they are double sided. Flags being flown on land usually have the design on one side only, with the design “bleeding through” the other side. Boat flags are meant to be flown in changing weather, storms, open seas and skies, and are made of more durable material. The flag would also have to feature durable grommets or similar fastenings to ensure that the flag does not get blown away in a storm or inclement weather.

For the leisure boater keen on completing a full set of boat flags, a set of alphanumeric flags in the cabin closet makes sense . These would be handy to have in case of a communications breakdown, and make for great decorations during boat parties. To complete decking out the boat in all its glory, the club burgee, a state or country flag and a custom boat flag would complete the set.