11/19/2025
The Evolution of a Boat Name… and a "Mariner with Commitment Issues":
Why has the name of this page changed its name from “MAJIK” to “Kahn Voyage”?
Well, first a little history lesson: In 2001, we bought our first boat, as a married couple, and proudly christened her "MAJIK".
Some say “Bigger and better boats” are a choice. True mariners know it’s a medical condition, which cannot be controlled, nor do we try to eradicate this condition. So once again, we started the search meet our ever-changing needs and requirements while on out on the open water. But this time, things got complicated: the sacred "MAJIK" name lineage had finally reached its grand finale and had to be retired.
A Family Tradition… Complicated by Logic:
Growing up, our family boat was named "BarbyLou", after my parents first names “combined”, Barb & Lou. Then came BarbyLou II, BarbyLou III, BarbyLou IV, BarbyLou V, and BarbyLou VI. When the next boat was being thought about on the horizon by my father, my mother famously said with gusto, “Dammit, Lou, if you get another god d-m boat, you can call it "Lou the First!”. I'm done with boats!"
Naturally, he ignored her (Which is probably why they were married for 72-years).
He bought the boat anyway and — in a bold attempt at peacekeeping — he officially named it, "BarbyLou The Last".
We finally sold "BarbyLou The Last" when Dad was 93. It had simply become too big for him to handle… and watching him climb on and off it scared the Shi"X" out of us kids.
My Turn at the Helm - The Tradition Continued:
When I started boating, my first boat was "Rubby Ducky", then "Kahn Door", which changed its name to "Little Boat", as that is what my mother always referred to it as when docked next to The BarbyLou.
When I moved up to my fourth boat after getting married, I wanted to keep the previous family naming tradition alive, as my parents just combined their two names to come up with “BarbyLou’. But, using the name of me and my wife together, “AmyJoshua” didn’t have the right ring to it. She came up with a creative alternative and mashed together family initials of us, our two boys, and our last name:
Thus, "MAJIK" was born. (Maxwell – Amy – Joshua – Izaac – Kahn).
In 2005, we upgraded — naturally — to "MAJIK - Act II". And by 2011, destiny (and four--foot-itis*) brought us to upgrade again to "MAJIK - Act III", in the same tradition of my father.
(*If you know, you know.)
Then life threw something at us expectantly. Amy and I moved our separate ways and I was “Single” again. That “A” in the name mAjik suddenly "stood-out", and did not feel right anymore. I considered changing it… but after a few years, good fate intervened! I met and married a woman named Janie — A "J" in her name, I can work with that! We adapted, and the acronym of "MAJIK" was magically transformed, at least how I perceived it, to "MAJIK", now standing for "Maxwell – And – Janie – Izaac – Kahn". While my name was no longer part of the acronym, it worked for me. Crisis averted! (For a little bit anyway)
As life happens, "Four--foot-itis" set in again and it was time to upgrade the boat again. For over two-years we pondered, searched, researched, went to boat shows to find the perfect replacement for MAJIK. Enter "My dream boat", which is a "Fleming Pilothouse M/Y". When we found her and was able to finally call her ours, a "Naming Crisis" came upon us. With our new boat, I decided that perhaps — just maybe — the name "MAJIK" had run its course. "MAJIK Act IV" was not going to happen.
So, family and some friends launched into a naming free-for-all on what to name the new boat? We collected ideas. We sent out ballots. We took votes. We discussed, argued and pondered for months. After much discussion, the front-runner names emerged including:, in no particular order; 1. "Independent Living", 2. "No Ragrats (Not Even 1-letter)", 3. "When Pigs Fly", 4. "Just Add Water", 5. "Go Aweigh", 6. "We’re Fine", 7. "Sunday Morn’, 8. "Titanic II", 9. "Sparty-On!", and 10. "Boaty McBoatFace II".
“Independent Living” and “Just Add Water” were the clear favorites, and yes, one brave soul actually voted for Boaty McBoatFace II). (That's a real boat name - look it up).
But unrest erupted among the traditionalists from the straw poll with the winner being “Independent Living”. Although it was the favorite from the group, it did not sit right. After all, this was a dramatic break from a beloved “Family Naming Dynasty”! Outrage and protests ensued to a point of riots in the streets! This could not happen! We need to continue Barb and Lou's tradition of keeping the family name in the boat name! Unrest persisted, so back to the drawing board we went. Hearings, committees, sub-committees, and consultants spent countless hours.
And miraculously — after all the drama — all the fighting - the long discussions - all the voting - the same opinionated group finally reached a UNANIMOUS decision with a new name added to this list, miraculously going to the top of the list as a clear favorite (Can you believe it?).
And the winning name of our new boat is… "Kahn-Voyage". (It works on so many levels and keeps the family name in the boat name continuing onward.)
And, as for the little yacht tender aboard?
- She will be proudly responding to the name, "Just Add Water".
No more photos of "MAJIK". She will live on with only great memories. The future is bright as we "“Set a course for adventure…” and say "Bon Voyage" on "Kahn Voyage"! Next up - Cruising the Great Lakes and then taking on The Great Loop!
