Fishing Boats

Fishing boat kits are among the most satisfying mid size projects in wooden modelling. The hulls are chunky and full of character, the deck layouts stay interesting, and the finished model looks like a working boat rather than an ornament.

Construction

Typically plank on bulkhead over a laser cut ply frame, with strip planking, a built up wheelhouse and deckhouses, and fittings for masts, derricks, winches, hatches, rails and fenders. Some kits include netting, pots or reels. Others leave the gear to you, which is where much of the fun sits if you want to represent a particular fishery or port.

Traditional regional types

Scottish and northern European working types appear regularly in this section, and they are worth seeking out. Their hull forms were shaped by the grounds they fished, so they make more distinctive models than a generic trawler, and they matter to anyone with a family connection to those ports.

Paint makes these models

Traditional working colours, a clean waterline and a little restrained weathering lift a fishing boat far more than extra fittings do. Paints and finishes, adhesives and plank bending tools are stocked separately.

Other ways to buy the same vessel

Finished versions are in ready made fishing boat models. A model of one named boat, with the correct port letters and registration, is built to order through bespoke fishing boat models. For boats intended to run on the water, see RC boats.

Common questions

Can a fishing boat kit be made radio controlled?

Some are designed for it. Look for kits listed as suitable for conversion, or browse RC compatible directly.

Are these suitable for a first wooden build?

The smaller inshore types are, yes. Check the difficulty grade on the listing.

Do the kits include nets and deck gear?

It varies by manufacturer. The listing states what is supplied, and additional fittings can be bought separately.