FAQs
1. Construction
All models are 100% hand built from scratch by skillful and experienced craftsmen. The models are built according to the scale of the original ships through original plans or pictures using the plank-on-frame construction method. The hull is built with strips of wood just like the way to build the real boat. The hull is hollow inside, not a piece of solid wood.
Inside the hull, there is epoxy helps to keep the strips to bond close to one another and not split, crack or twist even in variable climatic conditions.
Another most concern of the customers is that can you custom make as our design? YES, we can, you just provide us with the drawings and detailed photos showing all the angles of the ship/ boat. In case you do not have the drawings, we can build from the photos with no problem.
2. Materials
All of our models are made of wood. The outside appearance of wood can be stained like the color of precious woods but you still can see the wood grains. Some classic speed boats, we use imported mahogany to build on the deck like the original boat to increase the value of the model. You can notice that many models are painted like the color of the original boat/ ship but the construction of the hull is all made of wood, there are no plastic or resin molding.
TALL SHIPS/ HISTORIC SHIPS: Canons, ornaments, figurehead are made from metal, the sails are made from linen.
SPEED BOATS / MODERN YACHTS: Fittings, trimmings, steering wheels, switches, gauges, gear, rudder, and propellers are made from brass chromed as stainless steel . Plush seats are hand-stitched from imitation leather with large varieties of colors for your choice. The windows are made from clear plexiglass.
3. Measurements
Most of the models are measured with the overall length, width and height .
4. Timing of work
It takes hundreds of man-hours to build one tall ship model such as HMS Victory, USS Constitution, Wasa, Sovereign of the Seas, Friesland, Soleil Royal, San Felipe, etc. The speed boats look more simple as there are no mast or rigging lines, however, there are 9 – 12 coats in total to finish one boat by wet and dry sanding. The final step is hand polish by rubbing the hull with a piece of wool with wax. Once the speed boat is high gloss polished, it just looks like the mirror.
5. Custom make models
Q. Can you custom make my model?
A. Yes, we can custom make any model with the scale/ size upon your request. We just need you to provide us the plan/ drawings and photos of the real boat. In case you do not have the drawing or photos, please tell us the name of the ship/ boat you wish to build, our team will do research and manage the ship data for you.
6. Dropship program
We do offer dropship within the USA. However, we are sorry that we do not offer dropship for international yet.
7. Placing an order
We accept orders through the website, email or you can contact us by phone, fax.
8. Shipping time
Within 2 days after payment is cleared.
9. How are the ships packed?
Each ship is individually packed in a carton box with solid styrofoam, or a wooden frame is used to protect the ship from breakage when the box is accidentally tipped up side down, dropped or even has heavy objects placed on it.
10. How are the models shipped?
For USA, Canada, Mexico, we ship by Fedex ground, UPS ground or by USPS.
For international, the models can be shipped by USPS However, the carton box dimensions are limited from country to country. Please contact us in advance to make sure the model can be shipped before placing the order. If you need expedite shipment, please contact us for the extra air freight charge.
11. Display case
We have the display cases available which you can see at our display cases page to preserve the model from dust. These boats are as a part of world history, we suggest to put the model in the display case to have the model more valuable. Any special request for a custom make display case is welcome.
12. Terms of payment
We accept most credit cards, PayPal.
13. Shipping charges
We offer free shipping within 48 lower states. For international shipments, we mostly ship with USPS as Priority Mail International. Please contact us if you wish to ship Expedite or Express with UPS as we may have better price by the time you place the order.
14. Problems
Q. What can I do if I receive a different model or my model is broken when I unpack?
A. Please notify us by fax or email immediately within 7 days of shipment arrival. Please provide us with photos of any damage.
For some reasons if you wish to return the item, please consider not to remove the item out of the wooden crate or remove the item out of the styrofoam. You can open the carton box, lift up the whole wooden crate and check the models that are packed in wooden crate. For the items are packed in solid styrofoam, you can open the carton box, lift up the top part (styrofoam lid) and check the model. Please do not cut any strips or take the model out of the wooden crate or out of the styrofoam. It is very risky of damages to the model when you return if you open or remove the item out of the wooden crate or out the styrofoam.
Returned or exchanged products must be in brand-new, original condition, and have all original packaging, materials, and accessories . We only accept and refund in full when the model return in original condition.
Buyer pays return shipping.
Shipping charges: Sorry, we cannot refund original shipping charges.
The following items can’t be returned or exchanged because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can’t accept returns for:
Custom or personalized orders
Digital downloads