Why do the use the term "she" for ships, boats, cars, planes?

Question

they also use "her"

Answer 1

It has been an old navy custom to refer to ships in female gender.

Answer 2

in all honesty, why would a guy want to RIDE another man?

it sounds funny, but i swear thats the real reason.

its so simple that has to be it.

Answer 3

"She" and female pronouns are used to desribe friendly craft while enemy ships and planes are normally descibed using masculine pronouns.

Answer 4

because guys are not as attractive at women. (that all depends)

Answer 5

This question comes up from time to time. And no one has the "one answer."  Some say it's because it takes a man to handle her. That was a response about 20 years ago. Wouldn't fly today though. Men develop an affection for things like planes and ships, and maybe that's why they refer to such items as a her. I find myself doing it too. But the answer to this question never has a definitive answer. It's always maybe this, or maybe that.

Answer 6

I saw this on the Cutty Sark in Sept, 2004:

WHY IS A SHIP CALLED SHE?

A ship is called a 'she' because there is always a great deal of bustle around her; there is usually a gang of men about, she has a waist and stays; it takes a lot of paint to keep her good looking; it is not the initial expense that breaks you, it is the upkeep; she can be all decked out; it takes an experienced man to handle her correctly; and without a man at the hel, she is absolutely uncontrollable. She shows her topsides, hides her bottom and when coming into port always heads for the buoys.