Mauritius has a long tradition of handcrafted ship models, and many visitors want to bring one home or have one shipped. This practical guide explains how to visit a workshop, choose the right ship model and order it with confidence — written by Bobato Ship Models, which has been building wooden ship models in Mauritius since 1990.

Handcrafted model or kit: know what you are looking at

A handcrafted (scratch-built) model is built from raw timber and plans: the hull is planked strip by strip, the fittings are made or cast, and the rigging is tied by hand. A kit model is assembled from pre-cut, mass-produced parts. Both exist, and prices reflect the difference — so always ask which one you are being offered.

Choosing a model, a size and a finish

The vessel: a famous historic ship, a tall ship, a yacht or a traditional fishing boat — choose one that means something to you.
The size: measure the shelf, desk or display cabinet first, and leave room around the masts and rigging.
The scale: it sets the ratio to the real ship (1:50, 1:75, 1:100…), so two models at the same scale can be very different lengths.
The finish: painted in the ship's historic colours, or a natural varnished wood finish that shows the grain.

What to look at closely

The hull: real planking shows individual strips of wood following the curve of the hull.
The fittings: solid brass cannons, anchors and deadeyes are heavy and finely finished.
The rigging: hand-tied lines with real knots, blocks and tension.
The joins and varnish: clean, even finishing all round, including the parts you do not see at first glance.

Preparing your showroom visit

Take the measurements of the space you have in mind and, if possible, a photo of it. If you are looking for a particular ship, bring its name or a picture. At Bobato, the showroom is at 53A Sir John Pope Hennessy Street, Curepipe, open Monday to Friday, 9:00–17:00.

The questions to ask before you buy

Price: what exactly is included — the model, a display case, packing?
Production: is the model available now, or built to order, and how long will that take?
Transport: can you carry it home, or should it be shipped? How is it packed, and how is the shipping cost calculated?
Paperwork: will you receive a written quote and an invoice from a registered company?

At Bobato, no payment is taken online: you receive an invoice by email once the details and shipping are confirmed, and payment is made by bank transfer.

Requesting a custom model

For a vessel that is not in the catalogue, send the ship's name, plans if you have them, and as many photographs as possible, together with the size you would like. See custom-made ship models for how a commission works.