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  • Boat flag etiquette

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Flag etiquette has been transmitted to us by generations of mariners. Although not often appropriately respected these days, especially not by charterers, we might add, observing flag etiquette can provide some pride of perpetuating a very old tradition as well as some fun. We will not get into deep details and purist fanaticism. However, we will try to show charterers the minimum that is expected for basic respect of rules.

Therefore, we will only talk here about 4 main flags, potentially used by charterers and charter boat owners: the Ensign or the National flag; the club burgee; the Private Signal; and the Courtesy Flags.

Boats should fly the National Flag. Most pleasure boats in US waters have a choice of 2.

The yacht ensign, with its fouled anchor over a circle of 13 stars, the "Betsy Ross" flag. Originally restricted to documented vessels only, it is now commonly flown on recreational boats of all types and sizes instead of the National Flag (see picture).

The 50-star flag "Old Glory" you are familiar with.

The appropriate time to fly the ensign is from 0800 to sunset, except when racing. It is also important to take the flag down prior to leaving the yacht if the ship will be unmanned at the time of sunset.

However, whenever a boat is taken into international or foreign waters, the 50-star U.S. ensign is the proper flag to fly and the yacht ensign cannot to be displayed . In other words, if you own a US boat in the British Virgin Islands, you should not fly the Ensign, but the National Flag.

Boats today fly the ensign from the stern, which provides the best visibility, but it can also be flown from the leech of the most aftersail. When flown from the stern, it should be on a staff (pole) that is sufficiently long and angled, and that is offset to one side (traditionally the starboard side), so the flag flies clear of engine exhaust and rigging.

It is a small flag displaying the symbol of the skipper's yacht club or other sailing organization. It may be flown day and night.

Most people opt to fly the burgee lower in the rig, hoisted to the end of the lowest starboard spreader on a thin flag halyard. While purists rail this practice, it is an accepted adaptation of another tradition, which is that the starboard rigging is a position of honor (when you visit a foreign port, that's where we fly the host country's flag). Besides being reasonable, flying the burgee in the starboard rigging is such a widespread custom that to try to end it would be close to impossible.

Private Signal

It is a small, custom-designed and custom-made flag that carries symbols standing for the owner, so it can basically be anything. The signal may be flown day or night, but is not displayed when another sailor is in command. (The rule is: the private signal and burgee follow the sailor, not the boat.)

On a multi-masted boat, the private signal is flown at the head of the aftermost mast. On a sloop, the private signal may be flown from the starboard rigging, either below the burgee or alone.

Courtesy Flags

As a matter of courtesy, it is appropriate to fly the flag of a foreign nation on your boat when you enter and operate on its waters. There are only a limited number of positions from which flags may be displayed. Therefore, when a flag of another nation is flown, it usually must displace one of the flags displayed in home waters. However, it is hoisted only after the appropriate authorities have granted clearance. Until clearance is obtained, a boat must fly the yellow "Q" flag . All charter boats should carry the national flags of neighboring islands as well as the yellow flag, in case charterers want to visit those islands.

The courtesy flag is flown at the boat's starboard spreader, whether the United States ensign is at the stern staff, or flown from the leech. If there is more than one mast, the courtesy flag is flown from the starboard spreader of the forward mast.

As a side note, some authorities are not amused at all if you fly their courtesy flag using an old, raggy flag. Some will even fine you for disrespect! It happened to a friend of mine who was chartering in Turkey.

Lastly, it is also a common courtesy to fly the national flag(s) of your guest(s) on board, if they have a different nationality than the ensign is showing.

Flags' Dimensions

Flags come in standardized sizes, but there are guidelines about selecting the proper size for your boat.

The size of a nautical flag is determined by the size of the boat that flies it. Flags are more often too small than too large. So in the rules below, round upward to the nearestlarger standard size.

The flag at the stern of your boat: U.S. ensign or national flag should be about one inch for each foot of overall length. For example, on a 40ft. boat, the ensign should be 40 in. i.e. about 3.5ft.

Other flags, such as club burgees, private signals and courtesy flags used on sailboats should be approximately 1/2 inch for each foot of the highest mast above the water. For example, on a 30ft. boat, with 50ft. between the masthead and the water, the burgee should be about 25 in. The shape and proportions of pennants and burgees will be prescribed by the organization which they relate to.

Raising and Lowering Flags

Fly the ensign from morning (8:00 a.m.) to evening (sunset) whether the boat is at rest, under sail, or under power. The exception to this rule is: The ensign is not flown by a boat in a race, which signals to other boats that you are racing.

To prevent wear and tear, the flag may not be flown when out of sight of other vessels or when nobody is aboard. The flag is flown while entering or leaving a port, even at night. For purists: In the morning, the ensign is hoisted rapidly before other flags. In the evening, it is lowered slowly and with ceremony after other flags come down.

Additional sources:  Seaflags http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html

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American Flag etiquette

  • Thread starter mark Johnson
  • Start date Feb 24, 2005
  • Hunter Owner Forums
  • Ask A Hunter Owner

mark Johnson

I want to add a fix flag mast on the stern of my 33 Cherubini, from which I'll fly an American flag. With the boarding ladder locate on the center line of the stern - which side of the stern should the American flag be placed? I've asked many people and researched the internet and still don't have a firm answer. Confused!  

Starboard I have a center walk through on my H36. The flag holder came from the factory on the starboard side.  

Rick Dalton

Ensign/National Anyplace on the stern is fine. On the center line would be the most collegiate location but I too have the center thru-way on my h380 and the Flag staff was factory installed/welded to the immediate port stantion.  

Cactus Jack

Clip to shroud? My used Catalina came with a small American flag with clips to attach to a stay. The clips are too small to easily clip to the backstay; does flag etiquette allow clipping to a shroud? Jack  

Ensign From the USPS: The fifty star, 13 stripe American flag is flown only between 0800 and sunset. It is mounted on the stern staff at center or on the starboard side.  

I clip mine to the split backstay No idea which side is best, and didn't even think about it. I used these little 4-screw clamps you can buy that attach to cable (all sizes), then attach w/ a plastic wire tie. I would think lower on the stern would get dirty from diesel exhaust.  

Paul Akers

If clipped to a shroud... ...it must be on the starboard side. It may then be considered a "courtesy" flag. You will need to check on that. But when I had a C25, I put the American flag on the starboard burgee line under the spreader.  

FLYING THE FLAG While in port the flag is flown on the stern mount between 0800 and sunset unless it is lit by a light that is dedicated to the flag. While underway the flag is flown from the yard arm (spreader bar) - (not on the stern mount) at all times while underway. No dedicated lite is required while underway. While flown from the yard arm it is the top most flag. No other flag (read burgee) is ever flown above the stars and stripes. God Bless America RD  

FLYING THE FLAG While in port the flag is flown on the stern mount between 0800 and sunset unless it is lit by a light that is dedicated to the flag. While underway the flag is flown from the yard arm (spreader bar) - (not on the stern mount) at all times while underway. No dedicated lite is required while underway. The flag should not be flown from a stern mount while underway. The flag should not be flown from a shroud or other such line while in port - only from a stern mount. While flown from the yard arm it is the top most flag. No other flag (read burgee) is ever flown above the stars and stripes. God Bless America RD  

Les Blackwell

No rules for flying the "colors" Every now and then, this subject comes up on one web site or another. I have research this subject several times including checking in with the Library of Congress and my senator's staff. I know I will upset a number of person when I tell you there are NO rules for flying flags on your pleasure craft. There are rules for the military and for elements of the government but none for pleasure craft. Most guidelines come from Chapman's Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling tomes but what most people don't know is that Franklin D. Roosevelt, then assistant secretary of the Navy during World War I was given the assignment to mobilize the then growing population of pleasure power boats. He then requested Chapman (who was editor of a new magazine called Motor Boating) to come up with some policies to mobilize our new fleet of power boats, probably our first Homeland Defense act. On a frontest page of a 1917 edition of Chapman's Practical Motor Boat Handline, Seamanship and Piloting, it states in part, "Adapted for the yachtsman interested in fitting himself to be of service to his Government in time of war." While there are no federal laws pertaining to flying a flag on your boat, many of the suggestions made in recent years are taken from both British and American tradition of early sailing ships. Hence, we show our "colors" from the stern of our ships. It is a signal and nothing more. We can also enjoy raising other signals such as our yacht club burgees, and courtesey flags when entering another country, You do not have to fly your colors (American Ensign) if you do not wish. Indeed in years gone by many clipper ships flew the flag of their owner so one could tell what boat was coming into the harbor. The tradition of flying a signal, as most flags are considered, from the starboard yards or spreaders comes from the time when ships lay their port side along a wharf and showed their signals on starboard to let incoming ships know who was in the harbor The 1917 edition of Chapman's on flags and Colors (colors are the US. Flag only) is entertaining since it writes about the owner's private signal (who owned the boat), the church Pennant (flown during devine services), guests flags, the owners dinner flag and the crew's meal pennant. Aha, I never wanted to eat with my crew either. There was also an owner's absent flag (damn, I forgot to put that up when I left my boat today). One signal which confuses me is a Night Pennant of which I have never found the reason for flying it--to tell me it was night? My oh my. The size of the flag flown on your boat also has no rules along with where you fly your "colors." When we had sailboats with gaff rigged mains, we flew the flag from the gaff because it was up and out of the way as well as where another boat could see it. But there was never a rule that said we had to fly it off our back stays at three quarters of the way up. That is only tradition. Flying your flags from 8 AM to dusk is another tradition that come from a peace time Navy that was borrowed by Chapman. While it is a traditon that I like it is only suggestive. The same goes with flying the flag at night--you do not need a light. Makes sense but is not required. Before you get upset with what I'm saying here about flying your signals, here is what Chapman said in 1917. "Yachting etiquette, including the proper colors to fly, and their correct locations, is largely governed by custom, but the fundamental rules in this respect were established many years ago before the advent of the motor boat. They are not in every instance well suited to the modern craft." I wonder what Chapman would think abour Hunter and the lack of a backstay. As an aside, it is interesting that Chapman said very little about sailboats in his 1917 edition except to suggest "...we (the power boater) stay out of their way. " I go for that. (Peggie, my luv, are you paying attention?) If you disagree with any of this, I would be perfoundly grateful if you would give me the resource or rule that prompts your disagreement. As I stated earlier, as of this moment, there are no federal laws pertaining to flying the flag on a pleasure craft. Les Blackwell  

B Noble

I fly obove the rudder  

From The Stern Boats today fly the ensign from the stern, which provides the best all-round visibility. It should be on a staff that is sufficiently long and angled, and that is offset to one side (traditionally the starboard side), so the flag flies clear of engine exhaust and rigging. For many years, until around World War II, most ensigns were flown from the leech of the aftermost sail—a sloop or cutter's mainsail or a ketch or yawl's mizzen. That position is still available. On a Marconi rig, the ensign may be flown about two-thirds of the way up; on a gaff rig, just under the gaff. In either case the flag may be sewn into the leech or hoisted on a halyard through a leech cringle (reinforced hole) so the ensign can be lowered to avoid chafe, say on a permanent backstay. Source: http://www.sailnet.com/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=rousma0041  

newly anonymous

newly anonymous

US Yacht Ensign Piggybacking on Les Blackwell's comments, I've heard it said that the US Yacht Ensign should only be flown in US waters, and that in foreign ports one must resort to the US National Ensign. Does anyone know of a definative regulation regarding this? I also once read in a magazine that the only boats that were entitled to fly the US Yacht Ensign were documented yachts, and that they indeed are required to fly that ensign. True?  

There was a rule about the U.S. Yacht Ensign John, you are correct as usual. At one time the U.S. yacht ensign was mandatory for use on documented yachts. The reason was that most boats in the early 1900's whether they were working boats (commercial craft) or pleasure craft looked alike. Both had paid crew and were made of wood. No plastics yet. At that time, the ports had fees for the commercial craft much like airports charge commercial airlines today. But the ports couldn't tell the difference between the comercial vessels and the pleasure vessels and since almost all the pleasure vessels at that time were documented, they were required to fly the yacht ensign (the U.S. type flag with the fowled anchor on it. But in the late 1980s (I'm now trying to find out the exact date) congress receinded ALL the laws pertaining to the U.S. Flags including the Yacht Ensign requirement for documented vessels. Anyone now can now fly that flag. Let me put my head on the chopping block one more time. If I were traveling around the world in my boat at the present time I believe I would like to have a number of Flags from different countries that I could hang off my stern. In spite of how I (and other Americans) feel about our flag, there are a number of places in the world that do not like American boats. I might fly the flag of Iceland or Singapore until I could make eye to eye contact. This procedure has been done many times in the past, particularly between America and England. Maybe I would design my own personal flag instead of a pennent and fly that. There are many U.S. commercial tankers and freighters who fly "flags of convience" from small countries so as not to have to pay large taxes to U.S. Ports. I wonder where they got that idea, eh? Good point, John. Thanks. Les  

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40 Flag Set - Signal Code Flags

Our Marine/Nautical flags are crafted from durable nylon material. Each flag has extra stitching for a long-life in harsh marine use. Each size set...

SIZE: 12"x18" Introducing our beer flag, crafted with durable SolarMax Nylon and perfect for any laid-back spot - be it a bar, restaurant, game roo...

Chillin' The Most Flag

Fly this popular flag! Commonly used on boats, this flag is made of durable nylon material. Do not confuse this flag with a cheaper polyester or pr...

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flag

Our Marine/Nautical flags are crafted from durable nylon material. Each flag has extra stitching for a long-lasting flag in harsh marine use. This ...

Cocktail Martini Flag

Chill out with our cocktail flag! Available in two popular sizes, 12"x18" and 3'x5'. Made from strong SolarMax Nylon material, this flag is perfect...

Code Signal A Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter A flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal B Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter B flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal C Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter C flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal D Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter D flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal E Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter E flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal F Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter F flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal G Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter G flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal H Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter H flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal I Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter I flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal J Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter J flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal K Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter K flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal L Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter L flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal M Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter M flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal N Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter N flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal O Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter O flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal P Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter P flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal Q Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter Q flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal R Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter R flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal S Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter S flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal T Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter T flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal U Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter U flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal V Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter V flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal W Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter W flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal X Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter X flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal Y Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter Y flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Code Signal Z Flag

Our Marine/Nautical Code Signal Letter Z flags are crafted from durable nylon material, 100% Made in the USA. Each flag has extra stitching for a l...

Commodore Flag

Our Diver flags are crafted from durable nylon material. Each flag has extra stitching for a long-lasting flag in harsh marine use. This flag has 2...

Fish Flag - Albacore Design

Durable Nylon Fish Flag. Perfect for boat use. Made from strong SolarMax Nylon material, this flag is perfect for a bar, restaurant, game room, boa...

Fish Flag - Bluefish Design

Fish flag - dolphin design, fish flag - i love fishing, fish flag - king mackerel design, fish flag - mako shark design, fish flag - marlin design, fish flag - sailfish design, fish flag - shark design, fish flag - striped bass design, fish flag - swordfish design, fish flag - tarpon design, fish flag - tuna design, fish flag - wahoo design, fish flag - white marlin design.

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Finding the right size flag is easy! The length of the flag should be 1/4 the height of the pole. Nylon is the best all-around material, use Polyester2 for high-wind areas and budget polyester for short-term use.

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sailboat american flag

Boats & Flags: 11 Answers You Should Know (For Beginners)

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The flags on a boat can signify many different things.

Mostly, they can seem confusing to a layperson or a new boater.

Flying the wrong flag at the wrong position can confuse other boaters and result in a fine!

Here’s what you need to know about how and when you can use flags on a boat:

Table of Contents

sailboat american flag

1. What Are The Main Types Of Flags Flown On Boats?

On any non-commercial vessel, you can usually find these four different types of flags:

  • Ensign – a variety of national flag
  • Burgee – a flag representing a boating organization
  • Private Signal – a small custom-made flag for the boat owner
  • Courtesy – the flag of a foreign country for an onboard guest or when you are in foreign waters

2. What is an Ensign Flag, and When Do I Use It?

An ensign is a flag from the nation from which the boater originates.

They are slightly different from their national flags. Ensign flags used to be restricted to documented vessels only.

Now it is common courtesy to fly the national flag on all types of recreational boats.

It is proper etiquette to only fly ensign flags from 0800 to sunset unless you’re in a boat race outside those hours. It is also important to take this flag down before leaving your boat if it is unmanned at sunset.

If you take your boat into international waters, you should fly your national flag. These days ensign flags are flown off of the stern.

If you do this, make sure it is on a staff-pole and that the pole is long and angled.

If you offset it to one side (like the starboard side), it’ll fly clear of the engine’s exhaust.

This will also keep it clear from the rigging.

3. What is a Burgee Flag, and When Do I use That?

A burgee flag is a small flag with the skipper’s sailing organization or yacht club on it.

It follows the skipper from boat to boat. These are flown day and night.

Traditionally, sailing vessels hoisted these flags on a “pigstick” at the top of the highest mast.  Because of instruments that are often at the top of the mast, it is more common to hoist a burgee on a spreader halyard. 

Of course, this is the modern way to fly it.

The starboard rigging is known as a place of honor (when it comes to flags). That’s why you fly the host country’s flag there when visiting a foreign port.

4. What is a Private Signal, and When Do we use Those?

These are small flags that are custom designed (and custom made) specifically for the boat owner.

It’s flown day and night but is only flown when the owner is in command of the boat.

If a different sailor is in command, they are to fly their own private signal.

Private signals are flown at the aftermost mast’s head (if you have a multi-mast boat). On a sloop, fly private signals on starboard rigging, below the burgee.

Unless you don’t have a burgee, then you can fly it alone.

5. What’s a Courtesy Flag, and When Do I Fly That?

Courtesy flags are flown when you are in a foreign nation’s waters.

It also comes into play when you have someone from a foreign country on your vessel.

You can only fly a courtesy flag if certain conditions are met:

  • Only after authorities from the country have granted you clearance.
  • After you remove your yellow “Q” flag.
  • If you have a flag that is in the proper condition.
  • If you fly a courtesy flag, do so at the boat’s starboard spreader.
  • If there is more than one mast, then it must be flown off the starboard spreader of the forward most mast.

By “proper condition,” you must fly a flag that is not old or in a disrespectful state.

If you do fly a ratty old flag, you could be fined for being disrespectful!

6. What About International Signal Flags?

There is a system of internationally recognized numerical and alphabetical pennants and flags known as the International Code of Signals.

This helps communicate when you’re out in the open water.

The messages these flags send can be about navigation or even safety.

Signals can be sent by:

  • Flag semaphore
  • Signal lamp (otherwise known as “blinkers”)
  • Radiotelephony
  • Radiotelegraphy

There are so many different communication methods because it is important when the crew’s safety is concerned—especially when you’re in open water.

Boaters use nautical signal flags in several different ways:

  • With each spelling out a letter of a message
  • With a flag symbolizing a specific message (For example, an “A flag” is flown by diving support vessels when they can’t move from their current location.)
  • In a yacht or dinghy race, with each flag flying as code (For example, a “P flag” is used to stand for “Prepare,” which indicates that the race is about to start.)

Some boaters use signal flags to dress their ships for holidays by hoisting the national ensign at the stern staff first.

A rainbow of flags can then be arranged, reaching from the waterline forward to the aft, from the bowsprit end (or stem).

7. Why are There so Many Boat Flags?

Flags are flown for multiple reasons but remember that when you’re out at sea, this is the easiest way to recognize other boats.

It’s like the license plate on a car. Different countries have different license plates.

Within each country, different states or provinces can also have different license plates.

Then, you can have symbols that signify clubs or organizations on your license plate in each state.

This is a way you can express yourself on your vessel.

Check out our article about what colored flags on houses are all about.

8. Why are Some Flags Flown at Half-Mast?

Just like on land, flags are sometimes flown at half-mast in respect for someone who has passed.

This isn’t required in all places, nor is it mandated by any law.

However, it’s good to note why you might see this when you are out in the water.

Some boaters will also dip their flags (drop it down to half, then raise it again) as a friendly signal to a passing boater.

9. What Size Are Boat Flags?

Generally, boat flags come in different sizes, depending on the type of boat that you have.

For aesthetic purposes, most flags are roughly 1” per foot of the length of your boat.

Also, the staff should be twice the length of the height of your flag.

For example, if you have a powerboat that is 33’ long, you should have flags that are 24” x 36” on a staff that is 48”.

This is the recommended proportion of ensign flags. Burgee and private signals are approximately half that size. For the same powerboat example above, you might get burgee and private signal flags, which are 12” x 18”.

10 What do “Fishing Flags” Mean?

Fishing flags are signal flags that have representations of various types of fish on them.

Flying one (or more, if you’re lucky) lets other boaters know what sort of fish you’ve caught that day. It also lets other boaters know what sort of fish are in the area that day.

Fishing flags should be placed on the port rigger, spaced at least one flag length apart. This will let the proper authorities or other boaters count your catch easily.

It should also be placed in order of size, with the biggest species of fish on top.

Certain rules follow certain types of fish so make sure you read up on the fish flag etiquette in fishing manuals.

In the past, if a fisherman tagged a fish, they would fly the species flag with a white “T” under it to let others know of their tag. If they hoisted the species flags upside down, that signifies that they had caught and released that particular fish.

If they did so with multiple fish of the same species, they hoisted several red triangle pennants under that species flag.

However, today most fishermen are doing the opposite when they practice catch and release. They fly a fish right-side-up to signify that it swam away healthy after being released.

While an upside-down species flag signifies a fish caught and harvested.

11. How Much do Boat Flags Cost?

Boating flags can range from $12 for a single flag to $175 for a set.

The average cost for an ensign flag is roughly $20.

Final Thoughts

There is a long history of nautical flag use.

Using the wrong flag or flying a flag in the wrong position can get you into trouble. Thus, it is important to brush up on the meanings of different flags before using them.

It is important to have a boat handling book or flag manual on your boat in case of emergency.  The US Power Squadron is a good source for their publication “ How to Fly Flags, Nautical Flags Display .”

If you are out with your family and an emergency occurs, they must know how to call and signal for help in different ways: including using a flag signal.

Flags aren’t just important for you and your boat, however.

It is also important to recognize what different flags may mean when you run across other boats.

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16" x 24" Boat Flag Set

Our Boat Flag set features a 16" x 24" flag crafted to withstand harsh freshwater or saltwater winds and includes a 4’ flagpole designed to universally fit into any fishing rod holder. Every piece of this pre-assembled set is made in America from start to finish. There’s no better way to show your patriotism out on the water.

The Allegiance Difference:

  • 100% Made in the USA.
  • Embroidered, Not Printed: Our star fields are embroidered in Greenville, SC.
  • Superior Quality: Crafted with durable nylon fabric and reinforced stitching.
  • Hand-stitched: Ensuring unmatched detail and quality.
  • Patriotic Presentation: Carefully folded and packaged with respect and integrity.
  • Non-Tangle Flagpole Spinners : Our flagpole spinners are specially made with heavy-duty ball bearings, which prevent your flag from wrapping and tangling.
  • 6' Vermont White Ash Flagpole : As strong as it gets, and finished with a protective coating to shield it from the elements.  
  • Flagpole Mounting Bracket (optional) : For a durable connection from base to pole. This thing isn’t going anywhere.

All of our materials are sourced in America and made by American workers. It’s extremely important to us that 100% of our flag is sourced and sewn in the USA. It’s not the easy way, but it’s the right way. We’re proud to be American-made from beginning to end!

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Free shipping on all orders over $200. There is a standard shipping fee on orders under $200. Expedited shipping is available and rates are calculated at checkout.

Free and standard shipping usually takes anywhere from 5-10 business days, depending on your location. We ship to all 50 US states, and US military addresses.

If you are not 100% satisfied with your Allegiance Flag Supply purchase, you can return your unused order to our warehouse for a refund or exchange within 30 days of the item being delivered. We partner with Happy Returns, which has more than 9,000 locations nationwide for a quick and easy drop off, no packaging or printed return label required.

If you're not satisfied, we pledge to make it right.

sailboat american flag

AMERICAN FLAGS SHOULD BE MADE IN AMERICA

Flags produced outside our borders? That does not sit right. Unwilling to settle for less, Katie, Wes and Max launched Allegiance in 2018, dedicated to crafting flags that honor the nation and bring jobs back to America.

A Cut Above the Rest

We take “handcrafted” seriously. Allegiance’s flags aren’t spit out of a big machine. Each of our flags are created by American hands, from beginning to end.

sailboat american flag

SUPERIOR FABRIC FOR SUPERIOR STRENGTH

For a flag that lasts, fly superior nylon fabric with double-needle lock stitching and bar tacking. Our mold-resistant grommet strip adds extra stability and durability.

sailboat american flag

EXPERT STITCHING TECHNIQUES

Each flag is fortified with double-needle lock-stitching... so if one stitch breaks, it won’t continue to unravel. Additionally, stress points are fortified with bar tacking, ensuring the flag's durability in demanding conditions.

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EMBROIDERED STAR FIELD

Our stars are embroidered, not printed. Sure, it takes longer but embroidered stars last longer and look better. 

Accessory Features

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Vermont White Ash Flagpole

Finished with a double-coated polyurethane to protect them in the outdoor elements.

sailboat american flag

Non-Tangle Flagpole Spinners

Heavy-duty spinners with ball bearings prevent your flag from wrapping around the flagpole.

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Cast Aluminum bracket

A cast aluminum bracket paired with a Vermont White Ash flagpole ensures your flag will stay put.

We believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. We show integrity and respect to our customers, team, and fellow American partners. We don’t promise, we prove.

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When we say 100%, we mean 100%. We source only the best materials from manufacturers across America—then it all gets sewn and assembled right here in Charleston, South Carolina.

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Countless seamstresses lost their jobs due to overseas manufacturing. We’re bringing those jobs back! When you choose Allegiance, you’re choosing to support American jobs and a 100% American supply chain.

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We craft premium American-made products with a deep respect for tradition. Don’t settle for flags produced outside our borders.

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  4. Sailboat with Sail Colored As American Flag on the Sea Stock

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Select and Display Boat Flags

    Everyday Flag Etiquette. All boats operating in inland waters can fly the U.S. "Old Glory" 50-star flag, or the U.S. Yacht Ensign, the 13-star "Betsy Ross" flag with the fouled anchor. Flags are flown, traditionally from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, from the stern staff (when under way or occupied), or onboard sailboats —on aftermost sail 2/3 ...

  2. Proper Etiquette of Flying a American Boat Flag

    The Proper Etiquette of Flying the American Flag on a Boat. is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a symbol of our nation's history, independence, and freedom. When it comes to maritime traditions, the flag takes on additional symbolic meanings, embodying the spirit of exploration and the naval heritage that has been a part of America's ...

  3. Your 2024 Guide to Nautical Flag Etiquette

    Ex: Boats entering the United States would display an American flag as a courtesy flag. DIP- means to lower a flag by turning it forward from an upright position to 45° or horizontal as a sign of deference or respect. ENSIGN- means a flag showing nationality of the boat, i.e. the country where the boat is registered. Ex:

  4. Displaying the American Flag on Boats

    Displaying the American flag for boat voyages is a respected tradition steeped in history and patriotic pride. Representing a nation's values, unity, and freedom, the American flag has always been an emblem of pride, serving as a beacon of courage for many. For mariners, the flag is not only a symbol of nationality but also an indispensable ...

  5. Boat Flags & Boat Flag Etiquette

    When ordering an ensign, or American Boat Flag, we recommend a flag that measures one inch for each foot of boat length. For smaller vessels, a 12x18" flag is usually suffice, while larger boats may opt for the 2x3' flag. Burgee and personal Custom Boat Flags are generally smaller than the ensign, but can measure up to half an inch for each ...

  6. Sailing Flags

    The American Flag When using American flags for boats, you should follow all the recommended nautical flag etiquette rules. It should be flown from 0800 until sunset or when entering/leaving port. For most power boats, the flag will fly from the stern. Sailboats will raise it on the gaff, the leech of the aftermost sail or the backstay.

  7. Boat flag etiquette

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