What is a ship model?
A ship model is a scale reproduction of a real vessel: a sailing ship, warship, ocean liner, yacht or fishing boat. A collector's model reproduces the hull shape, masts, sails, rigging and deck details in proportions faithful to the original ship.
There are decorative models, which focus on the overall look, and collector's models, built from plans and accurate down to the details. Handcrafted wooden ship models usually belong to the second group.
The main types of ship models
- Tall ships and historic vessels: caravels, galleons, ships of the line, clippers — the models with the richest rigging.
- Warships: 17th–19th century frigates and ships of the line, with cannons and gun ports.
- Ocean liners and cruise ships: Titanic, SS France and the great transatlantic liners.
- Yachts and modern sailing boats: racing yachts, classic yachts, catamarans.
- Fishing and traditional boats: tuna boats, lobster boats, pirogues.
- Custom models: a reproduction of your own boat or a specific ship from plans and photos.
Browse our ship model collections by type.
Scales and sizes: how to choose
The scale gives the ratio between the model and the real ship. At 1:100, 1 cm of model represents 100 cm of ship: a 70 m vessel becomes a model 70 cm long.
| Scale | 40 m ship | 70 m ship | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:50 | 80 cm | 140 cm | Sailing boats and yachts, high detail |
| 1:75 | 53 cm | 93 cm | Historic ships, good size/detail balance |
| 1:100 | 40 cm | 70 cm | Large ships, desks and display cabinets |
| 1:200 | 20 cm | 35 cm | Ocean liners and very large ships |
Measure the space you have in mind, leaving room around the masts and rigging. Each version's length is shown on our model pages.
Woods and materials
Quality wooden ship models use hardwoods such as mahogany or teak for the hull and deck, stable over time and pleasant to work. Fittings — cannons, anchors, deadeyes, hardware — are usually brass or zinc, and the rigging is cotton thread.
At Bobato, brass and zinc fittings are made in our own workshop. The woods and dimensions of each model are listed on its product page.
Handcrafted or kit model
A handcrafted (scratch-built) model is built from raw timber and plans: the hull is planked strip by strip, fittings are made or cast, and the rigging is tied by hand. A kit model is assembled from pre-cut, mass-produced parts. To recognise a genuine handcrafted model, look at the hull planking, the weight of the metal fittings and the rigging, and ask to see the workshop.
Ship model prices and international delivery
The price of a ship model depends mainly on its size, the complexity of the vessel (number of masts, sails and cannons, fineness of the rigging) and the finish. A custom model also requires study of the plans and photographs.
For a model shipped abroad, the delivery cost depends on the destination, the dimensions and the packed weight, so it cannot be fixed in advance for every country. That is why some models are offered on quotation.
At Bobato, you send an order or quote request from the website — no payment is taken online. We calculate delivery to your destination, email you the invoice, and payment is by bank transfer. The model is then packed in a crate for shipping, or collected at the Curepipe showroom.
Caring for your ship model
- Dust with a soft brush or an air blower, never a cloth that can catch the rigging.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which fades sails and wood, as well as heat and humidity.
- A display case protects a model from dust and knocks for the long term.
- To move it, hold it by its stand, never by the masts.
Mauritius, an island of ship models
Handcrafted ship modeling is one of Mauritius' crafts. Its story begins in 1969 with José Ramar and the Comajora workshop, followed in the 1970s by other workshops such as Les Plus Belles Maquettes in Curepipe and La Serenissima. Bobato Ship Models is part of that tradition: the workshop was founded in 1990 in Vacoas by Kadress Soobaroyen, and its showroom is now in Curepipe. Read our story.
Ordering a ship model
Choose a model from the ship models catalogue, or describe the vessel you want for a custom-made ship model. For any question or to plan a showroom visit, contact us or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best scale for a ship model?
There is no single best scale: it depends on the size of the original vessel and the space available. 1:50 and 1:75 suit sailing boats and historic ships; 1:100 and 1:200 suit large ships and ocean liners.
Why are some ship models priced on quotation?
Because the delivery cost depends on the destination, the dimensions and the packed weight. It is calculated for each order and shown on the invoice sent by email.
How do I care for a wooden ship model?
Dust it with a soft brush, keep it away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity, and always move it by its stand. A display case protects it for the long term.
Can I have my own boat reproduced?
Yes. A custom model can be built from the boat's plans and photographs, in the size you want.
Do you deliver ship models outside Mauritius?
Yes. Models are packed in crates and shipped internationally; the cost is calculated for the destination and confirmed on the invoice.
