The Best Wooden Model Ship Kits for Everyone

Have you ever seen those wooden ship models and wondered how to get yours?  

Often, these are expensive pieces of art that can get damaged very easy.  

The good news is that you can get one of these great looking vessels in the form of an assembly kit.  

That is, you get the model in parts and you put the whole thing together.  

I know what you are thinking: The glue, epoxy, paint, cement, and other chemicals that can be messy or dangerous.  

The thing is I’ve taken the time to look for models that do not need any of these. Instead, they are easy and fun to assemble.  

These models don’t need any tools to assemble either, only your hands, your clever brain, and time.  

Here is where the fun comes and why everyone loves these great looking wooden ship kits.

Also, no previous experience needed. While there are some models for beginners, everyone can have fun with these models.  

Now that you are willing to explore these model ship kits, you may be wondering: who makes the best wooden model ship kits?

The truth is it really depends on your personal preference, and here I’ve selected some of the most interesting and user-friendly kits in the market.

Let’s dig into the models and see what is best for you.    

Best Wooden Model Ship Kits for Beginners

As a beginner you want something that is easy and encouraging for moving to your next step.  

This is why I like these recommendations.

• They look great when complete.
• Are easy to assemble.
• Won’t break your bank account (this is important).
• Will give you the right skills to move on to your next project.

3D Wooden Puzzle Yacht Model Building Kit

3D Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Pirate Ship Black

This another beautiful model with more details that add to a realistic look.

In this case, this 3D wooden puzzle is a pirate ship.  

You’ll get to see the whole ship once you assemble 129 pieces together.  

All these pieces are high quality wood and won’t hurt your fingers.  

Again, this won’t hurt your wallet as these models are very affordable.  

When finished, this sailing boat is 480mm long, so you’ll need a bit of space to display it.   This model kit is very eye catching. It comes with black sails which give it a more realistic look.  

Some pieces have a black side, and that is what makes this model so great looking.  

You can see right there the deep impact that a bit of color makes to a wooden model kit like this.  

This is a piece of art that you can paint in full (if you want) to make it look even nicer.  

Wooden Models Ship Kits for Adults

These models are great looking and I would say the best of the whole selection.  

In most cases, these are 3D puzzles that will give you hours of fun and hone your patience.   The finished product is fantastic and looks amazing.  

I’m glad to say these don’t need any tools or glue for assembly.  

As for the prices, these models won’t break your bank account either and you’ll have a fine piece in your living room.  

These models have great quality and you should not have any problem with them.  

They are popular in amazon and people have great comments about them.  

Some pro tips I want to give you are these:

1. You should punch all the interlocking holes before starting to assemble anything.
2. Do not pop out all the pieces at once. Instead, use only the ones you need for each step. This will help you identify better each piece.
3. Do not force any interlocking pieces. Fittings should be smooth.
4. Prepare yourself (and family) to spend 4 to 6 hours assembling the whole ship. Be patient and you’ll end up with a great piece.

Tugboat Ugears 3D Mechanical Wooden Model

This is the Tugboat mechanical wooden model by Ugears.  

It is a DIY model that needs no tooling nor glue or other chemicals to look awesome.  

All its pieces are laser cut and that is why Ugears is a top notch brand.  

Something that makes this model far more interesting than others are its mechanics.   Unlike other models, this boat comes powered by a rubber-band motor.  

The tension of the rubber band will make the Tugboat run from 1.5 to 3 meters depending on the type of surface.  

The mechanism is very interesting and it is part of what you assembly for the whole model.

Like I said before, this model requires no batteries, tools, glue, or paint to operate. Only your hands and your brain to assemble the whole thing.  

This model comes with a pendulum and ropes that add to the experience when you finish the model.  

While the price is a bit higher than the previous models, this won’t break your bank account either.  

You can go the extra mile with this model and add some paint to it.  

If you want a pro tip, don’t paint the whole ship, as this could mess with the functioning of the motor.  

Instead, paint only a few pieces to add color here and there. This will make your model look stylish and will keep it functional.  

This is definitely a must have for every modeller aficionado.  

Mechanical Trimaran Merihobus Sailboat

Here is another fantastic wooden kit model by Ugears.  

It is also a 3D puzzle and it its pieces are of the highest quality wood. No sharp edges or faces that could hurt your hands.  

This ship looks like something that would surf the sky or the outer space. It is beautiful.   The Trimaran Mary Hobus comes with lots of details to show off.  

This sailboat includes details like bulkheads, frames and beams.  

The main sail is removable, as it can roll up. This adds realism and makes the model look different. You can customise the design for the flag of the ship.  

If you take a close look at the photos, you can see a rudder at the back end of the ship. The ropes connected to the master wheel on the stern, steer this rudder through the pontoons.  

There are too many great details in this ship model to describe with words, and that is why you should give it a try.  

This model is pretty well balanced, and it is thanks to the hydro fins on the side of the pontoons. These connect with the main body with a load frame.  

You won’t need any glue, tools or epoxy to assemble the full model. This is a task of patience and skills. Simple and plain.  

This model is a must have for anybody looking to have a great time building a high quality model.  

RMS Titanic Ship Model Kit

This is an all time favorite and one of the most famous ships in the world, if not the most famous one.  

Everyone knows and/or recognizes this emblematic ship once they see it.  

The story of the RMS Titanic can bee seen in the movie of the same name. While the love story depicted there is not true, people love everything about this ship.  

This is why this 3D puzzle is a must have. Especially since this model comes with LED lights, which makes it look great at night.  

Starting with the pieces of this fantastic model, everything is superb quality. Cubic Fun takes pride in building fantastic models. Need to disclaim this is not a wooden kit, but an EPS foam one.  

You’ll spend about 5 hours assembling its 266 pieces. The manufacturer recommends this model for ages 14 and up. You want to be careful when manipulating this model, as everything impacts the end result.  

This is why it is best to assemble this with the help of an adult.  

You’ll get a model that is 305 times smaller than the original ship. I like to think about that and do the math to imagine the proportions of the real ship.  

The size of this model is 34.6 in large x 3.77 in wide x 11.57 in tall. So do the math there and multiply each dimension by 305 and you’ll get a glimpse of how this ship looked in real life.  

Unlike the original, this model should not go to the water, not even in your bathroom. This is a decorative piece and won’t float. Besides, you’ll ruin the material.  

You’ll fall in love with the details everything has. The whole ship is to admire and contemplate for long time. As for the night view, 85 LED lights make it shine like a star. You’ll love the color of the LED lights.  

You need no tools nor glue to assemble this ship. Everything fits and snaps nice.  

You’ll need about 4 hours of patience to work on this and complete it. So be patient and get ready for having a great time building this fantastic model.    

Large Black Queen Anne’s Revenge with LED Lights

Here is another fantastic CubicFun 3D Puzzle that will look amazing when complete.  

We are talking about the Queen Anne’s Revenge Blackbeard’s ship.  

This is a 340 pieces model kit that anyone in the family can assemble and have fun doing it. Although the manufacturer recommends this more for adults.  

This is a black ship that will do a good job in any Pirates of the Caribbean movie. I love all the details it comes with and how everything of it adds to that creepy, rusty, vintage and unique look it has.  

When complete, this ship invites you to enjoy the adventure of sailing the seas.  

This model comes with LED lights to make it shine at night. The lights add more to the effect of an old ship, as you can imagine how this vessel would look at night, surfing the sea.  

An important note here is that this is not a wooden model, instead, the pieces are EPS foam made. This allows the manufacturer add more detail to it and at the same time makes the model more durable.  

While the foam is more resistant to water than actual wood, I still would not recommend to put this on the water. The paint could get damaged and the purpose of the model thwarted.

I don’t have to say this model would be the centerpiece of your desk at the office or your living room at home.  

You may spend 6+ hours assembling this model, and once it is complete, the model will be 26.6 in large, 10 in wide, and 25.2 in tall.  

No tools nor glue will play a role in the assembly process. All you need is your brain, time, and the willingness to put the model together.  

You’ll have a great time assembling this model and admiring its beauty when complete.  

Mississippi Steamboat

Another great looking and fantastic 3D vessel to assemble and have time with the family. This is the Mississippi Steamboat by CubicFun.  

This ship is an all-time classic. All the details of it remind you of the original steamboat.  

This is a 142 pieces puzzle, and it is 100 times smaller than the original ship. When assembled, the model will be 9.45 inches tall by 3.94 inches wide by 18.11 inches long. So you can multiply that by 100 and that will give you an idea of how this steamboat looked in the real life.  

All the details of this ship adds to the realism, and one of the details that I love is the rotating shaft at the stern. Inside the boat you’ll be able to see stairs, doors, windows, and much more that adds to the experience.  

This can be a solo project, but it is far more fun to do this with the family. Once you start assembling, you’ll spend 4 – 6 hours before completing the model.  

As all the other models from CubicFun, this one needs no glue or tools to assemble. It is you and the model until finished. This as well makes it safe for kids to take part in the journey.  

Something I liked about this model is that people seem to love it. If you surf through the comments in amazon, you can see how much love this model gets. This is because it is a fantastic piece for everyone.  

You will love putting together this model.

Wooden Models Ship Kits for Kids

Do you have kids at home and want/need to keep them busy?  

No problem!  

These kits are perfect for the task.  

These are a bit advanced as well, but super easy to assembly. Your kids will have a great time doing it.  

Besides, this will bring the peace and calm you need at home to focus on what you are doing.  

And if you get tired, you can join to the team and have fun too. Trust me, this is a great stress-relief hobby.

HMS Victory Vessel Ship Sailboat Model Kit

Here is another great model from CubicFun for you to consider. We are talking about the HSM Victory Vessel Ship Sailboat.  

This sailboat is famous for its role at the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21 of 1805.  

After service, this ship has been the flagship of the First Sea Lord since 2012.  

As o 2020, this is the world’s oldest naval ship still in commission with 242 years of service.

As you can see, building and having a model of this ship is not a small thing.  

I love these models because they look great when finished, but also, the history behind them is pure gold.  

This HSM Victory model will be 18.2 inches long, by 8.2 inches wide, by 22.4 inches tall.   The model is 150 times smaller than the original vessel, but you’ll find lots of detail inside this model.  

The flags, the sails, the colors, and the detailed paintings make this model a must-have.  

Don’t worry about needing tools or glue, as this model needs nothing of that. All the pieces snap and fit nice and clean.  

You’ll need 4 – 6 hours to assemble this kit, but the time will be worth it when complete.  

USS Constitution Vessel Ship Model

Another all time classic is the USS Constitution Vessel. This ship started service in 1797 in Boston, Massachusetts.  

This is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States navy and was in active service until 1855.  

Today it serves as an educational ship for promoting the role of the Navy in war and peace.

60 officers and sailors take part in ceremonies, events, and educational programs.  

They keep it open to visitors year round and provide free tours.  

Learning about the history of this ship makes anyone want to have their own model to brag about.  

Here is where this model by CubicFun makes the difference.  

The model is 188 times smaller than the original frigate. When complete, it is 19.88 inches long, by 7.24 inches wide, by 14.96 inches tall.  

Going into the details, this model kit has lots of them. The sails, the colors, and the way paint gives life to everything makes this model look great.  

It will take you 4 – 6 hours to complete and when finished it will look amazing at you office or in the living room.  

This is a great project to have fun with and spend time with the family.  

Rolife 3D Wooden Puzzle Japanese Diplomatic Ship

Here is another ship wooden model kit that will give you hours of fun. Perfect for decorating any room of your house.  

This is a Japanese diplomatic ship model. It is completely made from wood, and it is perfect for kids and adults.  

You’ll love all the details when you see it, and you’ll notice right away the Japanese style of all its decorative.  

The full model has 91 high quality wooden pieces. It will take you anything from 3 to 6 hours to complete.  

As with the other models, this one needs no glue nor tools for assembly.  

Plus, this model comes with a customer satisfaction guarantee that is hard to beat.  

The full model is 7.5 inches long, by 2 inches wide, by 6.6 inches tall. Its size definitely works for displaying it in your living room or your office desk.  

Rolife 3D Wooden Puzzle Cruise Ship Model

Here we have another wooden kit model of a cruise ship that looks a lot like the Titanic.  

In this case we are talking about a 3D puzzle with 145 wooden pieces. Everything super high quality and safe for use with your fingers.  

This model takes anything from 3 to 6 hours to complete, and assembling it is a blast of fun.  

There is no need of glue or tools to complete this model. It is only you and the model to build each other. You’ll build the model and the model will build your patience and relief your stress.  

Like the other models, you’ll love the details of everything of it. The ship goes mounted on a set of waves that add to the realistic look of the model.  

Definitely a must have for any lego lover.

Advanced Wooden Models Ship Kits

I know I said you would not need any glue or painting to assemble these kits. So far I have kept my promise intact.  

But…  

There is always someone who is ready for the next big step, even if this means getting hands dirty.  

If this is you, I’m including some models here that will need a bit more than clicks and patience. These will test your skills as a hand crafter, and you are going to enjoy it.  

Painting, glueing, letting dry, taking care of details are some of the things you’ll be up to with these models.  

I’m sure you’re getting excited right now with this glimpse that I’ve given you, so let’s go right into it.  

Artesania Latina 1/75 Bluenose II

This is the Bluenose II from Artesania Latina. It is a very realistic kit that can take you months to complete.  

Like I said before, this is an advanced model that comes with high quality wooden pieces. It will need paint, tools, and glue to come to life. These are not included.  

When complete, the model should go to your shelf of exclusiveness to avoid damages.   Everywhere you look, this model speaks life and looks identical to the Canadian ship.  

I would say it is amazing to have a model of a boat which main purpose was to promote beer. What a great and fun fact of life.  

Like I said before, many months of work are ahead if you plan to get this model and work it until the end.  

A word of caution here is that these models need you to be a skilled builder. There is not much room in case you make a mistake.  

While this could be a downside, this is another reason to put these models in the advanced model section. I’m not kidding about it!  

Other than that, this is definitely a must have. I love this model and it will look great wherever you put it.  

Other advanced models for you to consider  

Here are more wooden kit models from Artesania Latina, a brand with great reviews.  

I wanted to include these for your reference in case you wanted to check them out.  

These as well can take months to complete and will need true skills for assembly.  

The wood is very high quality and you should get everything to make it work. But, the end product will look as advertised after you do some extra work with it.  

Remember the tools, paint, and glue are not included inside the box, so you’ll have to figure those on your own.  

Have fun with these models and enjoy your time building them.  

How do you build a model ship kit?

There is something about building model kits that words can’t describe.  

This is an activity that people enjoy because it requires putting time, care, and skills to the test.  

Even if you don’t use any glue or painting, you’re still after a good looking shape. In the end, you want to show up your finished product.  

If you are the type of person who enjoys building these models, you know that ship will say something about you.  

The truth is there is not a recipe for building these kits. But you’ll have to put your being into it, and in the end it will come well.  

It doesn’t matter if it is a simple piece or a complex one, if you dedicate to it the result will come by itself.  

I have to say these models are not water resistant, so you should restrain from putting them over the water.  

Instead, the purpose of these models is to attract attention and spark conversations.  

But…  

If I must offer a piece of advice about how to assemble these models, here are some useful words:

1. First of all have fun doing it. Enjoy the ride and let it take you through the seas of enjoyment.
2. Pieces may be fragile, so be gentle. Don’t force anything. Everything should snap and fit nice.
3. If you are using paint, you may want to paint pieces before assembly. Take a look at your model and check if this makes sense.
4. If this is your first time using glue, do some testing on other pieces of wood so you learn how to apply it. Pay special attention to not overuse glue since this may ruin the final look of your ship.
5. No matter what happens, remember to have fun and enjoy the process. You’ll get better with time and practice.

What makes a good model ship kit?

It ain’t hard to tell if a model is good or great, if it’s bad or if it sucks.   The makers of these models must love their craft as much as the modeller. They should be able to see the end result and be proud of it.   If this happens, you may see some signs of it:

• The finishing of the wood must be soft. No sharp faces that can hurt your fingers.
• Pieces must be easy to identify and the owner’s manual must explain in full detail how to assemble the ship.
• When the crafters take pride on their creation, they can offer guarantees, so check this as well.
• On a last note, check for social proof. Social media, comments, reviews, anything form other happy customers. This will help a lot.

Closing thoughts

All I can say at this point is that I hope you enjoyed this ride.

I did.  

If you had any desire to find out more about these models, I hope this post helped you answer a few questions.  

Should you have any comment, please let me know in the section below and I’ll answer as soon as I can.  

If you enjoyed this post, click the social buttons to let others know about these amazing models.  

Until the next one!