Book a Free Guided Tour!
Learn about each step of our process and witness the meticulous attention to detail first hand.
(+230) 5259 9337
Our Artisans
A boat is only as good as its sailors. At Historic-Marine we are proud of our veteran crew of artisans.
With an average of 26 years of experience – there is not a single boat we cannot create or request we cannot manage.
Our Model Making Process
At Historic-Marine, each Artisan takes control as captain of their ship.
Taking responsibility of the model from start to finish – with the exception of rigging, painting and lathing which are done by specialists.
Step 1: Research and Planning
Historical accuracy and scale is absolutely vital to creating each model to the highest quality. After all it’s literally in our name.
We have an extensive collection of over 1500 naval plans that we have collected since 1982.
With historians and boat yards around the world providing us with updated key information and drawings for us to refer to during construction.
Ensuring the model is planned and built to complete historical accuracy.
Step 2: Creating the Frame
Depending on the scale of the model boat we begin by creating a frame with two layers of plywood.
Further fortified by the bulkheads which are especially important as they hold the structural integrity of the vessel.
Step 3: Planking the Hull
Meranti and balsa is then used to plank the hull.
It is then sanded and smoothed to receive the second plank in previously dried noble wood: teak, mahogany, ebony.
Step 4: Deck Design
The deck is placed on a board, according to the same pattern and material as the original real boat.
Step 5: Miniature details
All fine details are then added to the deck, ranging from as small as the nails in the decking to larger details such as sculptures and balistrades.
Step 6: Varnishing
Each model boat receives on average 4 layers of varnish.
This varies depending on the model and materials used on the original boat.
Step 7: Painting
The final colours are then applied by a specialist with a minimum of at least 2 layers.
Once again depending on the model and materials used on the original boat.
Step 8: Final Assembly
The moment of truth where all hand made objects such as masts and ornaments are assembled on the boat.
Step 9: Sails & Rigging
Rigging a ship’s sails is an incredibly meticulous task that requires close attention to detail.
It requires a thorough knowledge of every naval knot used on a model, as well as steady, fine hands to complete them on a dramatically reduced scale.
We have an all-female rigging team.
They study each model carefully before setting to work like a surgeon on a doctor’s table.
The sails, made of cotton, are shaped and sewn by hand.
Step 10: Quality Control
Above and beyond the quality control of each step of the manufacturing process a final inspection is made at the end of completion.
Ensuring that the final result meets the standard of excellence that Historic Marine has built its brand and reputation on.
Book a Free Guided Tour!
Explore our collection of over 120 Model Boats of varying sizes and types.
As well as our historical collection of documents, naval plans and even rare maps of Mauritius dating from the first settlers in the 16th and 17th Centuries.
(+230) 5259 9337
Visit our Showroom
Explore a wide variety of various models and sizes, all built to scale and historically accurate.
Half-Hull Model Boats
Perfect for hanging on the wall, half-hull models make for fascinating three dimensional pieces of art.
Cheaper than a full model these make for great gifts. Available upon special request only.
Cross-Section Model Boats
The cross-section model boats gives you the unique ability to see the inner workings of a ship.
They can be mounted on wooden plaques like the half-hull models or mounted on a stand. Available upon special request only.
