F/V Time Bandit 36 inches Fishing Boat Model

F/V Time Bandit Fishing Vessel – 36-Inch Handcrafted Wooden Model

Own a handcrafted model of the F/V Time Bandit, one of the most iconic commercial fishing vessels to ever work the unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea. Built in 1991, the Time Bandit has earned worldwide recognition for her success in the Alaskan crab fishery and for her starring role on the acclaimed television series Deadliest Catch. Captained by brothers Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand for many years, the vessel became renowned for its skilled crew, daring operations, and remarkable resilience in some of the world's most dangerous fishing grounds. Today, the F/V Time Bandit stands as a symbol of determination, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of commercial fishermen.

Our 36-inch handcrafted F/V Time Bandit Fishing Vessel model faithfully captures the distinctive appearance of this legendary fishing boat. Each model is individually built by experienced craftsmen using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method—the same principle used in real wooden shipbuilding. We select only premium hardwoods, including Western Red Cedar, Teak, and Mahogany, ensuring exceptional durability, refined craftsmanship, and a timeless museum-quality finish.

Every element is carefully recreated, from the rugged working hull and elevated wheelhouse to the crab pot handling equipment, hydraulic crane, mast, winches, deck gear, antennas, railings, lifeboats, and other signature features that define the F/V Time Bandit. Rather than being mass-produced, each model is handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a striking display piece worthy of any maritime, commercial fishing, or nautical collection.

The 36-inch model offers an exceptional balance of impressive scale and fine craftsmanship. Its larger size allows for even greater detail and a more commanding display presence while remaining suitable for bookshelves, executive offices, display cabinets, or home libraries. The increased dimensions provide additional realism, making it an outstanding centerpiece for commercial fishermen, maritime professionals, collectors, or anyone who admires the grit and adventure of life at sea.

Each piece is individually handcrafted, and production typically takes 3–6 months, depending on the model's size and complexity. Throughout the process, we'll keep you updated with detailed progress photos at every major milestone, allowing you to review the craftsmanship and approve each stage before we move forward.

You'll receive photos during:

- Hull construction
- Deck detailing and superstructure assembly
- Final painting and finishing

Your satisfaction comes first. We proceed to the next stage only after you've reviewed the previous one.

Secure Worldwide Delivery

Once you approve the completed model, it will be carefully packed in a custom-built wooden shipping crate with multiple layers of protective cushioning to ensure it arrives safely anywhere in the world.

Custom Orders Available

Looking for a different size or a personalized version? We offer custom dimensions, modifications, and bespoke designs upon request. Whether you'd like a larger display model, a custom nameplate, personalized markings, or a specific period configuration, our craftsmen are ready to bring your vision to life.

Bring home a handcrafted tribute to one of the world's most legendary commercial fishing vessels. Whether you're expanding a maritime collection, decorating your office, celebrating the heritage of the fishing industry, or searching for a meaningful gift, our handcrafted F/V Time Bandit Fishing Vessel model is built to become a centerpiece you'll be proud to display for years to come.

Contact us today to begin building your custom F/V Time Bandit Fishing Vessel model.

History
Launched in 1991 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, the F/V Time Bandit is a 113-foot crab fishing vessel renowned for its rugged endurance and distinct profile. Built by the Marco Shipyard, she was specifically engineered to withstand the volatile, freezing conditions of the Bering Sea. Owned and operated by the Hillstrand family, the vessel became a fixture of the Alaskan crab fleet, earning a reputation as a high-performing "high-liner" with a unique and often irreverent personality. Her design expertly balances heavy-duty industrial utility with the specialized equipment required to meet the intense seasonal demands of king and opilio crab harvesting.

The Time Bandit achieved international fame through her long-standing role on the reality series Deadliest Catch. This exposure showcased the intense camaraderie and high-stakes decision-making of the crew, led by Captains Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. While the series highlighted the drama of the industry, it also emphasized the vessel’s identity as a family-run enterprise capable of surviving catastrophic equipment failures and extreme weather. Despite various challenges in recent years, including shifts in fleet management and milestones for her crew, the Time Bandit remains a legendary icon of modern commercial fishing, symbolizing the grit and independence of the Bering Sea mariner.