Flying the American flag on a boat follows its own set of customs, where the flag goes depends on your vessel's rig, and there are a few traditions unique to the water. Done right, it looks sharp and respects long-standing maritime etiquette. Here is how to fly the U.S. flag on a boat.
Where does the flag go on a boat?
The U.S. ensign (the national flag at sea) is traditionally flown at the stern (the back of the boat) on a staff, this is the place of honor on most powerboats and many sailboats. On some gaff-rigged sailboats, the flag flies from the gaff. The general rule: the national ensign occupies the senior position, at the stern staff or, when underway on certain sailing rigs, the appropriate after-most hoist.
| Vessel | Flag location |
|---|---|
| Powerboat | Stern staff (place of honor) |
| Most modern sailboats | Stern staff |
| Gaff-rigged sailboat | At the gaff |
When to fly it
Maritime tradition is to fly the ensign from 0800 (8 a.m.) until sunset when at anchor or in port, and while underway as appropriate. It is customarily flown when you are aboard and not flown when the boat is unattended for long periods. Bring it in at night unless it is lit.
Size and condition
- Match the flag size to the boat, a rough guideline is about one inch of flag fly for each foot of boat length.
- Use a marine-grade flag; salt, sun, and wind are hard on fabric.
- Replace it often, boat flags wear out faster than land flags.
- Keep it clear of exhaust and rigging that can soil or snag it.
Other flags on a boat
Boaters also fly burgees (yacht-club pennants), courtesy flags of a host country when visiting foreign waters, and signal flags. The U.S. ensign keeps the senior position; other flags are flown from spreaders, a bow staff, or halyards in their proper, subordinate spots. When visiting another country, fly its courtesy flag at the starboard spreader as a sign of respect.
Respect on the water
The same core respect applies at sea as on land: do not let the flag drag in the water, retire it when worn, and give the national ensign the place of honor. Marine conditions are tough, so check and replace your flag regularly so your display stays crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I fly the U.S. flag on my boat?
At the stern staff (place of honor) on most boats; at the gaff on a gaff-rigged sailboat.
When should I fly it?
Traditionally 8 a.m. to sunset when aboard, in port, or underway as appropriate; bring it in at night unless lit.
What size flag for my boat?
About one inch of fly per foot of boat length is a common guideline; use a marine-grade flag.
The bottom line
Fly the U.S. ensign in the place of honor at the stern (or the gaff on a gaff rig), from 0800 to sunset when aboard, sized to your boat and marine-grade. Give other flags their subordinate spots, fly a courtesy flag in foreign waters, and replace the ensign often, salt and sun are tough on it.