I think I have it - seems to give the boat names albeit with a small time lag.
Create a folder in C:\GWX (for example as per Fubar).Have steam install the game into C;/ folder by setting it up to do so in Steam>Settings>Downloads>Steam Library Folders C:\GWX,
Install mods as required.
I'm going to try a auto roll back patrol and leave it for a while and see what happens. If not I think you need to just leave the auto roll back off and go from there.
edit-Works with autoroll back on. It appears to only update for me when I update the personal file and open it. After that I can see the ships names.
Thank you you all for your help.