Well, first of all boat tattoo designs can be funny and beautiful. If you look at our collection, in fact, you will find a combination of complicated drawings and colourful shapes. These are real masterpieces conceived and created by real artists. And talking about artists, if you decide to get your own boat tattoo, choose a good tattoo artist, someone you really trust. You will also need to be patient and remember: you will have a piece of art living on your skin!
Plus, boat tattoo designs can be the mirror of some our most hidden wishes. Have you ever stopped in the middle of the road, lost in a picture of a far-away land? Maybe it was an exotic paradise, an island in the middle of the ocean? Those who dream about crossing the ocean on a boat hide within themselves the spirit of the greatest adventurers. And what is an adventure if not the will to learn and discover something new?
The fact is that boats are truly a unique symbol of human curiosity. They are the material expression of the desire human feel to move beyond the known and into the unknown. For centuries boats have been the only bridge between us and the ocean, a terrifying, magical place where humans don’t belong. They are the key to enter a universe made of water and mystery.
Somehow, then, boat tattoo designs can be an original, artistic way to pay homage to human courage and curiosity, a way to connect with our subconscious will to explore, our desire to find new horizons beyond what we already know. Look at our pictures, find something you like, imagine yourself standing on your boat in the middle of the ocean: how does it feel? What do you smell? What do you see? Is there someone with you or you are alone with your courage?
It’s quite a journey, don’t you think?
Pirate boat with jolly roger flag
A black and grey sleeve tattoo showcasing a pirate ship, complete with the Jolly Roger flag, adorned with roses offers a unique blend of imagery. The pirate ship and Jolly Roger flag evoke a sense of adventure, rebellion, and danger, while the roses add an element of beauty and love. The black and grey palette lends a timeless, classic feel to this daring and visually striking design.
Jolly Roger symbol on the flag of the pirate boat
A tattoo design that showcases the Jolly Roger symbol on a pirate boat’s flag is a visual embodiment of adventure and freedom. This iconic design also symbolizes a defiance against norms, resonating with those who value individuality and non-conformity. This emblem, featuring a skull and crossbones, has strong historical links to maritime piracy, embodying rebellion and daring sea adventures. Its rich symbolism makes it an attractive tattoo choice for individuals captivated by the spirit of adventure.
Black and white sailboat tattoo on back
A black and white sailboat design is a captivating design idea on the back. This timeless piece of body art combines the simplicity of monochrome with the complex symbolism, evoking themes of journey, freedom, and resilience against life’s waves. The back placement allows for a larger, more detailed depiction of the sailboat, creating a striking visual statement.
Sailor Jerry and his boat
A Sailor Jerry ship tattoo, rendered in black and grey, delivers a realistic depiction rich in detail. This design harmoniously blends vintage charm with lifelike precision, creating a unique and captivating piece of body art. This design balances the bold, classic imagery of Sailor Jerry with the depth and dimension of realistic art. It’s a compelling tribute to maritime adventure, bringing a slice of the sea to life on skin.
Origami boat and balloon tattoo
An origami boat adorned with balloon and the quote “We all float down here” is a whimsical and thought-provoking design. The delicate origami symbols paired with the quote can denote life’s journey and the highs and lows we all experience. It’s a unique way to express optimism and resilience in the face of life’s currents.
Realistic Forearm Boat tattoo
Boat tattoo on leg
Sailboat sleeve tattoo
Painting style boat tattoo
Black ink watercolor boat calf tattoo
Watercolor sailing boat half sleeve tattoo
Watercolor paper boat tattoo on side
Sailboat under the sunset
The watercolor sailboat under a sunset is a captivating seascape tattoo. The blend of vivid colors replicates the transient beauty of a sunset, while the sailboat symbolizes a serene journey. As a full sleeve design, this tattoo offers a large canvas for this picturesque scene, creating a wearable work of art that’s like having a sunset at sea with you at all times.
Graffiti boat
Watercolor boat arm tattoo
Watercolor boat with portrait tattoo for women
Realistic ship and lighthouse with lightning bolt tattoo
Tall ship side tattoo for men
Ship, plane and lighthouse full sleeve tattoo
Boat and watch full sleeve tattoo
Small sailboat tattoo on shoulder blade
Realistic tall ship on watercolor backdrop
Sailboat calf tattoo for men
Paper boat finger tattoo
Black and grey sailboat forearm tattoo
Forearm pirate ship tattoo
Sailboat forearm tattoo
Poseidon and Boat full back tattoo
The full back tattoo is a magnificent portrayal of the sea god in action. The design captures Poseidon wielding his powerful trident, with a boat struggling amidst the mighty waves, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a breathtaking narrative of power, strength, and human endurance against the elements, etched across your back.
Boat full sleeve tattoo for men
Boat leg tattoo
Ship helm tattoo
The ship helm and anchor tattoo is a vintage design that encapsulates the spirit of maritime tradition. At its center is a sailboat, beautifully portrayed within a ship’s helm, symbolizing navigation and control. An anchor hanging on a rope adds a touch of balance, representing steadfastness and security. This intricate design is a visual narrative of maritime journeys, reminding the wearer of their own personal voyage in life.
Colorful boat side tattoo
Black and grey boat sleeve tattoo for men
Pirate ship forearm tattoo
Boat sleeve tattoo
Black and white ship half sleeve tattoo
Traditional black and white sailboat tattoo
Forearm ship tattoo black and white
Ship forearm tattoo
Traditional Boat tattoo black and white
Sailor Jerry tall ship tattoo
Feather boat tattoo
Pirate ship tattoo outline
Tall ship sleeve tattoo black and grey
The tall ship tattoo is a majestic black and grey vintage design that canvases the arm with maritime history. It features an intricately drawn tall ship, capturing the essence of high seas adventure and exploration. The monochromatic palette enhances the detailing, making this tattoo a true work of art and a testament to the enduring allure of seafaring tales.
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Sailboat silhouette half sleeve tattoo
Ship in lightning storm tattoo
Sail boat sketch calf tattoo
Map Sail Boat tattoo
Traditional ship tattoo for men
Sailor Jerry pirate ship arm tattoo
A sailboat in water forearm tattoo
Ship in wave half sleeve tattoo
Negative space sailboat leg tattoo
Tall ship thigh tattoo for men
Boat and Mermaid blackwork
Galaxy boat tattoo
Sailboat with rose tattoo black and grey
Minimalist boat wrist tattoo in watercolor style
Colored boat full back tattoo
Abstract sailboat tattoo
Colored Cool boat tattoo
Sailboat with moon tattoo
Overturned Boat Back Tattoo for Men
Sailboat and anchor thigh Tattoo with quotes
American traditional Ship tattoo on neck
Gene Coffey sail Boat Tattoo
Boat chest Tattoo
Night sky tattoo and ship
The Star of India
Pirate ship
Tall Ships Skull Tattoo Black And Grey
Poseidon and boat
Sailing boat in wave
Fishing boat tattoo
Sailor Ghost ship tattoo
Boat and octopus tattoo
Colorful Ship quarter sleeve Tattoo
Realism sailboat bicep tattoo black and grey
Tall ship back tattoo black and grey
Poseidon and Boat Sleeve Tattoo
Sailboat and anchor tattoo black and grey
The sailboat and anchor design is a classic black and grey piece, steeped in the rich tradition of maritime body art. It features a finely detailed sailboat, signifying adventure and freedom, paired with a steadfast anchor, symbolizing stability and strength. This vintage design is a timeless tribute to the balance between exploration and groundedness in life’s journey.
Sketchy boat and octopus tattoo on thigh
The Sketchy boat design transforms the thigh into a canvas of maritime adventure. With its rough, hand-drawn lines, it depicts a boat in a tense encounter with a sprawling octopus. This tattoo is an evocative nod to traditional sailor folklore, embodying the unpredictable nature of the sea and life itself.
Black boat thigh Tattoo
Black and white ship tattoo sleeve for men
Stylized octopus and boat outline
The thigh Tattoo is a captivating vintage piece, evoking the drama of seafaring tales. The design artfully merges the stylized outline of a ship with an octopus, all under the ominous presence of thunderbolts. It’s a powerful symbol of resilience and adversity, embodying the courage to navigate life’s stormiest seas.
Ship In A Bottle bicep tattoo black and grey
Simple sail boat neck tattoo
She adjusted her sails tattoo
The sailboat arm tattoo is a striking vintage design, combining navigational symbolism with inspiring text. It features a meticulously detailed sailboat, a classic compass for direction, and the empowering quote, “She Adjusted Her Sails.” It’s a poignant reminder of resilience, self-reliance, and the courage to change course when necessary.
Trash polka ship tattoo
Black ink watercolor Boat forearm Tattoo
Small Boat Wrist Tattoo
Traditional Boat and Bird Tattoo on upper arm
Pirate Boat Tattoo on upper arm
Homeward bound tattoo
Small fine line sailboat Tattoo
Sailboat Full Back Tattoo
Paper boat watercolor tattoo
Life goes on days get brighter tattoo
On one calf, the uplifting quote “Life goes on, days get brighter” serves as a constant reminder of hope and resilience. On the other calf, a cute boat tattoo symbolizes life’s journey and the exploration of uncharted waters. This pair of tattoos offers a balance of thoughtful words and charming imagery, creating a unique narrative on the wearer’s journey through life.
Cruise ship tattoo on forearm
Geometric boat tattoo for Girl
Ship wheel tattoo
Burning pirate ship sleeve tattoo
Let the ocean take me tattoo
Lifelike burning ship half sleeve tattoo
Neo traditional pirate ship tattoo
Odin viking ship tattoo
Realistic sinking ship tattoo
Shark and sunken ship tattoo
Sinking boat in bottle
Black pearl ship tattoo
Traditional ship and squid tattoo
Viking ship tattoo
Black pearl ship and squid back tattoo
Warrior viking and viking ship tattoo
Black and grey sinking ship tattoo
Did the author of the text preceding the pictures do ANY research into tattoos? Ship- and sea-themed tattoos are popular because of the history and traditions of tattooing.
William Dampher is responsible for re-introducing tattooing to the west after it was banned in Europe and lost popularity. A sailor and explorer of the South Seas, in 1691 he brought to London a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Prince Giolo (the “Painted Prince”).
In the late 1700s, Captain Cook made several trips to the South Pacific. The people of London welcomed his stories and were anxious to see the art and artifacts he brought back. Returning form one of this trips, he brought a heavily tattooed Polynesian named Omai. He was a sensation in London. Soon, the upper- class were getting small tattoos in discreet places. For a short time tattooing became a fad.
Chatham Square in New York City was a seaport and entertainment center at the turn of the century. Samuel O’Reilly came from Boston and set up shop there, taking on an apprentice named Charlie Wagner. After O’Reily’s death in 1908, Wagner opened a supply business with Lew Alberts. Alberts had trained as a wallpaper designer and he transferred those skills to the design of tattoos.