Best Selling

Kits sell consistently for a few reasons: clear instructions, well cut parts, a subject people recognise, and a build that can actually be finished rather than abandoned halfway. The kits collected here have all of that, which is why they keep coming back into stock.

A mix of levels, on purpose

You will find straightforward starter kits with solid or simply planked hulls, mid range builds with double planking and moderate rigging, and a few larger projects for builders who already know what they are doing. Subjects run across historical ships, working boats, yachts and naval vessels.

Buying a kit as a gift

This is the safest part of the range to choose from, with one caveat. Check the stated difficulty grade rather than the box art. An attractive picture does not mean an easy build, and a kit pitched too high tends to stay in its box. If in doubt, go a grade lower and add a tool bundle, which is usually more use to a beginner than a bigger ship.

What is not in the box

Kits supply timber, fittings, plans and instructions. Glue, paint, varnish and tools are extra in almost every case. A suitable wood adhesive and a starter tool set will cover most beginner builds.

Common questions

Are these the cheapest kits you sell?

Not necessarily. They are the most frequently bought, across a spread of sizes and difficulty grades.

What is the best model ship kit for a beginner?

A Beginner or Easy graded kit with a short hull and minimal rigging. It teaches planking and finishing without a year of commitment.

Would a ready made model be a better gift?

If the recipient does not already build, quite possibly. See best selling ready made models.