I do sympathize. Hobbes would be an interesting name for a kayak, for me "whale" somehow doesn't convey the right sense of stealth and delicate elegance we strive for here. Beluga is a short, dumpy, large-headed white whale that is so curious it can turn its head in all directions - the only whale to evolve this ability. Er, right.

Of course, it's your choice . . . not that many people know exactly what a Beluga is fortunately. Cat names are surely inappropriate unless there is a water-loving cat species with a name that suggests whatver it is we are trying to suggest.

I use the names of former girl friend myself for both my dogs and my boats: the wife hasn't caught on to this as far as I know.