Lindisfarne Fishing Boat

Premier Ship Models have recently completed a custom build for a Lindisfarne Fishing Boat Model. Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is an historic island in Northumberland, England. Irish monks settled on the island in the early 7^th Century, and they built a monastery that soon became the focal point of early English Christianity, and it was also a major centre for the cult of Saint Cuthbert. His shrine was guarded by those very same monks.

Fishing has always been a key part of industry and income for the residents of Holy Island. In recent years, a fishing ban was proposed, but ultimately never saw the light of day after public outrage.

This Lindisfarne Fishing Boat model was to be handcrafted in our workshop, utilising photos provided by the client to make it as authentic and realistic as possible. It was to measure 40 centimetres in length, and the deal was secured by one of our directors, Nathan.

This project was undertaken for a private client in Australia, meaning only limited information can be disclosed. The client expressed great satisfaction with their completed Lindisfarne Fishing Boat model, alongside our clear and consistent communication throughout the process and the prompt delivery—particularly impressive given the international nature of the transaction.

The model was predominantly crafted by hand, using materials such as timber, fibreglass, and small chrome accents, and measured 40 centimetres in length. It was meticulously designed to be highly detailed and accurate, without incorporating any moving parts, internal mechanisms, or lighting.

While some smaller features, including lifesavers and propellers, were produced using CNC machinery, the vast majority of the model was built manually.

The project required an estimated five months to complete, with payments structured as follows: a 50% deposit upfront, 30% as the build neared completion, and the final 20% upon delivery. A sturdy wooden packing case was also included in the cost to ensure the model was well-protected during transit and arrived safely.

The Lindisfarne Fishing Boat model, as highlighted earlier, was predominantly crafted by hand using materials such as timber, fibreglass, acrylic, and chrome accents.

Before starting construction, we worked closely with the client to establish clear agreements on key aspects, including the model’s dimensions, design specifications, aesthetic features, payment terms, and timeline. This ensured there was no room for misunderstanding.

We began the build with the hull, the foundation of any ship model, which was meticulously shaped and measured to adhere precisely to the agreed specifications. Once the hull was completed, attention shifted to constructing the upper deck. This involved attaching narrow wooden planks along the sides, gradually covering the top to hide the internal supports. From there, the framework for the bridge and rigging was assembled.

Painting was the next major step. The hull’s lower section was finished in a soft blue, while the upper areas were painted in a crisp white with yellow accents on the rigging. Chrome details were added for a polished look, and the name “Lindisfarne” was applied near the bow as a refined decal. Additional touches, such as a lifesaver mounted near the bridge, added to the model’s realism.

In the final stages, the model underwent thorough cleaning and polishing to enhance its presentation. The windows were carefully painted, and the rigging tidied. To complete the project, the ship was mounted on a sleek black wooden base, ready for display.

Thankfully, the client was thoroughly pleased with their finalised Lindisfarne Fishing Boat, especially considering the international aspect of the transaction. The delivery process went off without a hitch, allowing them to proudly display their model.

It’s always a joy to help somebody bring their vision to life and provide them with a meaningful memento, and now we turn our focus to our many other ongoing projects!