Questioning the name

I posted this in the F14 forum, inside a longer text, but it certainly belongs here.

I have doubts regarding the name "F12".

The Optimist could have failed if it was named "Pessimist", "Storm" or "Rocket". Those names tend to scare parents, who ultimately decide what entry boat their siblings will sail.

At least for me, "Formula" is associated primarily with Formula 1 car races, high speed, high technology - and very famous accidents. It is cool for the upgrade boat (F14, F16, etc.), but I'd rather use a name that inspires only positive thoughts and confidence.

"KidCat" wouldn't be bad: it's short, easy to say, meaningful and evocates the close relationship between a kid and its pet (= home). KidCat delivers the message that it is a cat designed and intended for kids. This line of thought runs paralel to a kid's toy, implying fun, safety and simplicity. The name says it all. Just my opinion, of course.

Noted.

Still, I do have one counter argument to you reasoning though.



The F12 is not for kids, but rather for teenagers. It is not intended to replace the optimist or the splash but rather to be the next step up from them, replacing the Laser, the Byte and partly the 29-er.

Wouter

Make it simple and safe enough for a kid and kids will use it.
Anyway, teenagers need parental permition too.
I guess "TeenCat" could be appealing for kids around twelve, but it makes me think of a cat eating from a can... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Target group is boys-gals from 12 -16. My experience that at that age they don't want to be called a kids anymore even when they are in reality. As such I'm not convinced that using the word "kid" in the name is smart.

Wouter

Kool Kat 12

Is kool / cool still a slang word amongst teenagers today. Or has it goen the way of Groovy from the 70's


Wouter

I am not completely sure because I am a little older than what you are going for.

But kool/cool is not a word that is at the top of the list anymore. People still use it but it isn't something I would use to name a boat.

How about Phat Cat?

Maybe you shouldn't have a bunch of 30-50 year old men naming the boat.

IN all honesty kids want something the can be compared to the bigger boats that their dad is sailing.

Also I know part of the problem is the parents, but if a kid wants something his parents will get it for them. At least most of the time.

A typical twelve year is likely to answer the "how old are you?" question with "going on sixteen!" If possible, they'd pay to skip this part of life and get on with it.

Luiz you make a good point regarding the target here. That is the person who's coming up with the money to buy this new toy (oops don't tell the 12 y.o. you're calling it a toy <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ) I'm not sure the name will change the perspective of a parent much. The parent with a mono background may have preconceived ideas of cats anyway. If formula is too risky or on the edge, how about Quick (Kwik) Cat but emphasize the high point as quick to get on the water (read Wouters' rules). The parent who may know little or nothing of sailing or rigging feels less daunted about the purchase.

IMO if it has a name that invokes excitement, that's good, but...it also has to be marketable. Great thread.

Sorry guys have to agree with Wouter here my kids dream of owning a small A class not a kids boat. They havn't been on an F18 or F16 yet but when they do they will want a small F. We have a small cat at our club and they ask to sail the small A because thats what I called it now that think its the bees knees. Imagination is what named the Stealth and Blade if the parents are worried call it the F12 clunker and the child can progress to the F12 screamer or whatever
regards

Safety concerns relating to the boat do not really come into it with parents if there are safeguards...

Example,

Do you think motorcross would be popular amongst teenagers if safety factors were a concern of parents! What parents want to know is that if something happens (they have an accident) then all possible measures have been taken to ensure against death or maming.

The name won't effect sales to safety conscious parents because they aren't dumb. They will want to see plenty of rescue boats, life jackets worn and lots of fun being had.

Maybe a corresponding project that could run in parallel with this is a cheaper rescue boat that the parents can buy and trailer with the F12...parents undergo a rescue training course at the same time that their kids are getting used to the boat. They can interract with the other parents while on the water. On-water parental spectating isn't as big as it could be.

Sorry for the ramble, just wanted to get the idea out there while it was fresh in my mind.

I still believe the name plays an important role in the marketing strategy, but I really liked the idea of a package including the rescue boat. Maybe it could be the same platform with a small outboard and other accessories.

Personally would prefer a small centre-console RIB, they are great coach/rescue/umpire boats, nothing else compares. Doesn't need to be anything over-powered or special.

Pick a name from here;

http://www.multihullsmag.com/boats/boatlists/cats_up_to_20_feet.htm

OK, I'll go away now <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />