When it comes to building your own ship, finding the perfect wooden model ship kit is essential. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a way to keep yourself entertained, model ship building is both satisfying and enjoyable. With a wide variety of options available, it can be challenging to choose the right kit for your needs. That’s why we have reviewed the best four wooden model ship kits and provided a brief buying guide to assist you in making an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned model builder, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover our top picks.
Table of Contents
Top Rated: The Best Model Boat Kits in Wood of 2021
We have carefully evaluated the following wooden ship model kits based on various criteria, including pricing, level of difficulty, and completeness. Here are our top selections:
1: Best Overall Choice: Model Shipways MS1460 18th Century Armed Longboat Kit
- Materials: Laser cut wood parts, brass, cast metal cannon, and ship’s fittings
- Scale: 1:24
- Size when assembled: Length 24”, Height 19”
- Building time: approximately 24-32 hours
- Skill level: beginner, intermediate
Step back in time with this 18th-century style longboat model kit. The Captain’s Longboat was the largest boat in the 18th century, boasting a carvel-built design with flush seams and a small cannon mounted on the bow. We have chosen this kit as our top pick due to its versatility, suitable for both beginners and advanced hobbyists. The high-quality parts and detailed instruction manual make the building process smooth and enjoyable. Once completed, this model serves as a stunning decoration for your office or any room in the house.
Pros:
- Includes a detailed and clear description that guides you through the entire building process
- Suitable for beginners as well as intermediate hobbyist builders
- The kit includes high-quality parts
Cons:
- Some kits may have missing pieces
- Relatively more expensive than other beginner-friendly model kits
2: Best Budget Choice: AKDSteel Ship Model Kit, Wooden Sailboat
- Materials: Wood and cloth
- Scale: n/a
- Size when assembled: 15” long, 5” wide, 11” high
- Building time: approximately 5-10 hours
- Skill level: beginners and kids
This decorative wooden ship kit is an excellent option for those on a budget. Whether you’re looking to gift your children or simply enhance your interior, this kit offers great value for its price. Made with high-quality and environmentally friendly materials, it is safe for kids to work with. The kit includes a detailed instruction manual to assist you and your kids during the building process. The finished product looks realistic and serves as a perfect decoration for any room in the house.
Pros:
- Made of high-quality, environmentally friendly materials
- Suitable for kids alone, as well as beginners in model ship building
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Some parts may not have the right size, which can slow down the building process
- The color of the actual boat may vary slightly from the pictures shown
3: Best Choice for The Experienced Model Boat Builder: Model Shipways MS2260 Syren Wooden Ship Model Kit
- Materials: Basswood, metal, brass
- Scale: 1:64
- Size when assembled: Length: 33″ Height: 27″
- Building time: approximately 15-20 hours
- Skill level: intermediate, experienced
If you’re an experienced model boat builder looking for a challenge, this wooden ship model kit by Model Shipways is an excellent choice. Known for their high-quality kits, Model Shipways delivers perfection with this boat kit. Designed by renowned modeler Chuck Passaro, this scale model is authentic and accurate down to the smallest details. With an extensive instruction manual and all the necessary tools included, this kit ensures a smooth building experience.
Pros:
- The instruction manual is very clear and easy to follow
- The kit includes 8 complete, full-size plans and all the tools needed for ship assembly
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Less suitable for beginner hobby model boat builders
4: Best Choice on Most Appealing Design Model Ship: Artesania Latina LAT22135, Virginia American Schooner Model Ship Kit
- Materials: Applewood, Ramin, Plywood, Mahogany, Brass
- Scale: 1:41
- Size when assembled: Length: 21 1/4″, Height: 19 11/16″
- Building time: approximately 100 hours
- Skill level: intermediate
For those who appreciate a beautifully designed ship, this model ship kit by Artesania is an excellent choice. With a combination of different woods, this kit offers a realistic result. The kit includes all the necessary tools and products to create a stunning boat. Although the building time is longer for this kit, the end result is worth the effort. Artesania is a well-known brand in boat and ship kits, providing high-quality materials that ensure a detailed and accurate model.
Pros:
- The instruction manual is very clear and easy to follow for intermediate modelers
- All the parts of the ship are made of high-quality wood and brass
- Good value for money due to the extremely detailed model ship
Cons:
- The included flag doesn’t look very realistic compared to the other items on the ship kit
- Some elements in the pictures are not mentioned in the instruction manual
Our Verdict: What is the Best Wooden Model Ship Kit?
After careful evaluation, we have chosen the Model Shipways MS1460 18th Century Armed Longboat Kit as our top pick. With its suitability for beginners and intermediate builders, high-quality parts, reasonable assembly time, and affordable price, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking to embark on a model ship building journey. Whether you’re building it alone or with your family, this kit guarantees a rewarding experience.
The Buyers’ Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re in need of more information before making your purchase, our comprehensive buyers’ guide provides all the factors to consider and additional tips. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Things to consider before buying your wooden model ship kit
- Skill level: Determine your skill level to ensure the kit is appropriate for your expertise.
- Scale and size: Consider the size of the model and the space required for display. Larger models often offer more intricate details.
- Quality: Choose the type and quality of wood that meets your preferences and budget. Balsa wood is commonly used for beginners, while cherry or mahogany are preferred by experienced builders.
- Building time and instructions: Estimate the required assembly time and ensure the kit includes a clear instruction manual.
Who makes the best wooden model ship kit?
There are many famous brands known for delivering high-quality model ship kits. Some of the notable brands include Amati, Model Shipways, Artesania, Nordic Class Boats, Panart, Kolderstok, and Disar.
Which wood is best for ship modeling?
For beginners, balsa wood is an excellent choice due to its bendability and ease of carving. Cherry wood or mahogany wood are used in more advanced wooden model ship kits.
What are the best model kits?
When it comes to ship kits, we highly recommend the Model Shipways MS1460 18th Century Armed Longboat Kit. It offers accessibility, quality, and is suitable for beginners and intermediate hobbyists. It is also a great option for building models with kids.
Who makes the best plastic model ship kits?
Revell is a well-known brand for plastic ship kits. Other brands that manufacture plastic model kits include Airfax, Trumpeter, Modelcraft, and Hasegawa. However, plastic kits are commonly used for industrial ships and container ships, with a smaller selection of historic “pirate” ships.
The Takeaway
Building and assembling your own wooden model boat is a fun and rewarding activity. The high-quality wood used in these kits ensures a smooth building process and a stunning end result that can serve as a beautiful decoration in any room. With various themes and options available, it’s essential to gather enough information and carefully consider the images of the completed models. Our reviews and recommendations aim to assist you in finding the perfect wooden model ship kit for yourself or as a gift. Happy building!
