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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Nautical Shelf Woodworking Plan is for a specific folk-art boat shelf called the “Pooles Island Skiff,” designed by boatbuilder and woodworker Jim Shotwell. The finished shelf measures 10 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 42 inches tall. The project appeared in WOOD Issue 107 in August 1998; the paper plan listed by Woodcraft is a plan only, with materials not included.
What the Nautical Shelf plan builds
WOOD Magazine’s project page identifies the design as Shotwell’s Pooles Island Skiff, a tall, narrow boat-shaped shelf intended for displaying collectibles such as antique fishing reels and miniature lighthouses. Its stated finished dimensions are 10 inches wide × 4 inches deep × 42 inches tall. The page was updated January 16, 2024, and says the project first appeared in WOOD Issue 107, August 1998.
This is not a generic rope-hung nautical shelf: it is a particular woodworking project with a boat-shaped body, shelves, and other shaped components. Its height and small footprint make it a different kind of display piece from a broad wall shelf.
What you get when you buy the plan
Woodcraft lists the project as “Woodworking Project Paper Plan to Build Nautical Shelf,” item 414773, model MD-00054. The listing identifies it as a paper plan and explicitly says “MATERIALS NOT INCLUDED; PAPER PLAN ONLY.” In other words, it is not a kit containing lumber or hardware. Check the retailer’s current price and availability directly, since those can change.
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#1 Best Overall
- SPECIFICATIONS: Model Kit to build. Laser-cut basswood parts. Length 8-5/8" x Width 3-1/8"
- PERFECT START: If you want to learn wood model ship building, this is it. No previous knowledge is necessary. Kit is designed to develop your skills and confidence, step by step, to more complex ship models
- EASY CONTRUCTION: Historically accurate and Highly Detailed Basswood parts are laser-cut for easy construction
- DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: All our kits come with comprehensive, fully illustrated instructions that will guide you through the building process for a smooth and successful experience.
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE: In case a piece gets lost or damaged, we will replace for free.
The public WOOD project page does not publish a complete bill of materials, cut list, tool list, build sequence, difficulty rating, or estimated build time. The original plan is therefore the source to consult for the full construction specification; do not treat the listed finished dimensions as enough information to buy stock or begin cutting.
What the original pattern material indicates
The WOOD Issue 107 pattern insert explains that full-size patterns are provided for irregular or intricate parts, while other components are made using the project’s bill of materials and drawings. The indexed parts view labels components including the topside, bottom, transom, two shelves, and arch front. It also notes a fairing stick, nail locations, 5/32-inch holes countersunk on the bottom side, and 15-degree bevels.
Rank #2
- PERFECT START: If you want to learn wood model ship building, this is it. No previous knowledge is necessary. Kit is designed to develop your skills and confidence, step by step, to more complex ship models
- EASY CONTRUCTION: Historically accurate and Highly Detailed Basswood parts are laser-cut for easy construction
- DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: All our kits come with comprehensive, fully illustrated instructions that will guide you through the building process for a smooth and successful experience. Check instruction below.
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE: In case a piece gets lost or damaged, we will replace for free. No questions asked
- MADE IN THE USA. Our factory is in South Florida.
These notes help identify the character of the build, but they are not a substitute for the plan’s complete drawings and cut sequence. The dimensions and construction details above belong to the Pooles Island Skiff plan, not to other boat-themed shelf projects.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How it differs from other nautical shelf projects
| Project | Approach and dimensions | What is available |
|---|---|---|
| WOOD Magazine Pooles Island Skiff | Traditional woodworking plan; 10 × 4 × 42 inches (width × depth × height), as given by WOOD Magazine’s page updated January 16, 2024. | Woodcraft lists a paper plan, materials excluded. The public WOOD page does not provide the complete build specification. |
| Vectric Boat Nautical Shelf | Separate CNC boat-hull shelf; approximately 10.25 inches wide × 21.5 inches tall × 3.625 inches deep, according to Vectric’s project page. | Vectric offers a downloadable project bundle with project files and a PDF guide; files require login. The project is for Aspire or VCarve Pro, version 8 or later. |
| Good Life Wife suspended shelf | A simpler rope-and-cleat design; the tutorial specifies a 1 × 6 × 24-inch board and 10 feet of rope. | The tutorial gives its own materials and steps, including cleats and fasteners. Those specifications apply to that design, not the Shotwell plan. |
The Vectric and suspended-shelf examples are alternatives, not interchangeable instructions or parts lists for the Pooles Island Skiff.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DIMENSIONS: Length: 12" (305mm) Height: 1-9/16" (40mm); Beam: 3-5/8" (92mm)
- EASY CONTRUCTION: The components are precision-cut and engineered, allowing for smooth and accurate assembly of intricate details.
- BUILD A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY: Midwest kits are renowned for their meticulous attention to historical accuracy, ensuring the finished model reflects the ship's design and era.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: These kits utilize high-quality Baswoodwood and other materials, ensuring authenticity and durability in every piece.
- DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: Midwest kits are famous for its comprehensive, fully illustrated instructions that will guide you through the building process for a smooth and successful experience.
Rank #4
- PERFECT STARTER KIT: Want to learn wood model ship building? This is it. No previous knowledge is necessary. Kit is designed to develop your skills and confidence, step by step, to more complex ship models
- ALL-IN-ONE STARTER SET – Stop searching for supplies. This kit includes a professional-grade hobby knife, tweezers, clamps, sandpaper, glue, and custom paint with brushes. Everything you need to go from box to bookshelf is included.
- PRECISION LASER-CUT BASSWOOD – Forget tedious carving. Our historically accurate Amesbury-style skiff features premium American Basswood parts that are laser-cut to the millimeter. Parts pop out easily and fit perfectly, ensuring a frustration-free assembly.
- YOUR FIRST SUCCESSFUL BUILD – While some ships take years, this 1:12 scale model is designed for a successful 15–20 hour build. The 22-page, fully illustrated manual walks you through every plank and joint with clear, jargon-free instructions.
- LIFETIME "NO-FAULT" GUARANTEE – We want you to finish your ship. If you lose a part, break a plank, or even make a mistake during a cut, Model Expo will replace the piece for free. No questions asked. We guarantee your success.
Rank #3
- DIMENSIONS: Length: 14-1/2" x Height: 13" x Beam: 3-1/4". Some parts require cutting and fitting. THIS IS NOT A STARTER KIT. Some prior building experience is recommended. Lots of room for customization.
- FEATURES: Laser-cut Quality Basswood, Mahogany and Plywood parts. Hardwood Display Base With Craddle Ends
- COMPLETE FITTINGS SET: includes Cotton Sails, Rigging, Cordage, Plastic Cleats and Block, Brass eyebolts, and cast metal Pintles and Gudgeons
- DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS: The kit comes with comprehensive, fully illustrated 47-page instructions manual and Parts List that will guide you through the building process for a smooth and successful experience.
- HISTORICALY ACCURATE: Designed after the original boat and perfectly scaled. Build a piece of American History.
Choosing the right path
- Choose the Shotwell plan if you want the specific 42-inch-tall folk-art skiff shelf and are prepared to work from a paper woodworking plan.
- Consider Vectric’s project if you want a CNC-centered build and have compatible Aspire or VCarve Pro software; its dimensions and files are for a different design.
- Consider the rope-and-cleat tutorial if you want a simpler suspended shelf rather than a tall, shaped boat display.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
