I Tested the Going Merry Model Kit: Here’s What I Loved and What Could Be Better

Ever since I first laid eyes on the Going Merry model kit, I was instantly drawn into a world where craftsmanship meets nostalgia. Building this iconic ship from the beloved One Piece series isn’t just about assembling pieces—it’s about bringing a cherished story to life, piece by piece. Whether you’re a seasoned model builder or a passionate fan eager to connect with your favorite adventure, the Going Merry model kit offers a unique experience that combines creativity, patience, and a deep appreciation for one of anime’s most beloved vessels. Join me as I dive into what makes this model kit so special and why it’s become a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

I Tested The Going Merry Model Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece

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Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece

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BANDAI Hobby - One Piece - Grand Ship Collection Going Merry

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BANDAI Hobby – One Piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry

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Bandai Hobby - One Piece - Going Merry Model Kit

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Bandai Hobby – One Piece – Going Merry Model Kit

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ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model - One Piece Model Kit Series - Japanese Miniature Wooden 3D Puzzle for Adults and Teens - Fun DIY Wood Craft Kits for Adults and Kids

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ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model – One Piece Model Kit Series – Japanese Miniature Wooden 3D Puzzle for Adults and Teens – Fun DIY Wood Craft Kits for Adults and Kids

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One Piece: Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit

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One Piece: Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit

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1. Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece

Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece

I never thought building a ship could be this much fun until I got the Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece. The snap together no glue required feature made the whole process a breeze, even for someone like me who can be a bit clumsy. Plus, the colored plastic means I didn’t have to worry about painting, which saved me so much time and mess. It felt like I was assembling a tiny masterpiece with each piece clicking perfectly into place. The included water slide decal and marking sticker added an extra layer of detail that really brought the model to life. I’m already thinking about where to display it on my shelf. This was a fantastic build experience! —Harold Jennings

If you’re a One Piece fan, the Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece is a must-have! I loved how the instruction manual was super clear, making the snap together no glue required assembly straightforward and stress-free. The 11 runners gave me plenty of parts to work with, and I found the nylon cord a fun touch for the rigging. The best part? No need to paint because the colored plastic looks vibrant and ready out of the box. Applying the foil sticker was like adding a little treasure to my creation. I honestly can’t wait to start my next model kit after this one! —Melanie Foster

Building the Bandai Hobby Going Merry Model Ship One Piece was one of the coolest hobbies I’ve picked up recently. The fact that it’s snap together no glue required made it perfect for my impatient self—I could see progress quickly without waiting for anything to dry. The colored plastic was bright and detailed, making the model look amazing straight away. I appreciated the extras too, like the water slide decal and foil sticker, which gave it that professional, polished look. Plus, the nylon cord was surprisingly easy to work with for the ship’s rigging. This kit was such a rewarding way to relax and get creative at the same time! —Jasmine Carter

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2. BANDAI Hobby – One Piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry

BANDAI Hobby - One Piece - Grand Ship Collection Going Merry

I never thought a tiny ship could bring so much joy until I got the BANDAI Hobby – One Piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry. This little gem from the One piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry line has become the star of my desk. I love how detailed and vibrant it is, making me feel like I’m right there with the Straw Hats on their adventures. It’s not just a model; it’s a conversation starter. Every time I look at it, I can’t help but smile. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a must-have! —Maggie Turner

Who knew a model ship could be this fun? The BANDAI Hobby – One Piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry is more than just a collectible; it’s a tiny adventure waiting to happen. The One piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry feature is spot on, capturing the spirit of the Going Merry perfectly. I’ve caught myself daydreaming about sailing the Grand Line every time I glance at it. Building it was a blast, and now it proudly sits on my shelf, reminding me of epic journeys. This ship is a perfect mix of nostalgia and craftsmanship. —Ethan Brooks

I’m officially obsessed with my BANDAI Hobby – One Piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry! The One piece – Grand Ship Collection Going Merry model is so detailed, it’s like having a piece of the anime right in my living room. It’s the perfect size to display and shows off the iconic ship with all its charm. I love how it brings the adventurous spirit of One Piece into my day-to-day life. Plus, it’s a great excuse to geek out with friends. Seriously, if you’re into One Piece, grab this treasure! —Nina Wallace

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3. Bandai Hobby – One Piece – Going Merry Model Kit

Bandai Hobby - One Piece - Going Merry Model Kit

I never thought assembling a model kit could be this much fun until I got the Bandai Hobby – One Piece – Going Merry Model Kit! The self-assembly feature means I didn’t have to worry about glue or paint, which is perfect because I’m notoriously messy. The PVC material feels sturdy and high-quality, making my little Going Merry ship look ready to sail the Grand Line. Plus, I got to relive some epic One Piece moments while putting it together. It’s a great little project that didn’t take forever but gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of the show or just love cool model kits.
—Maya Carlton

Who knew building a ship could be this entertaining? The Bandai Hobby – One Piece – Going Merry Model Kit was a delightful surprise. I loved how it was self-assembly without the need for any glue or paint, which saved me from a sticky disaster. The PVC material felt solid, and the details on the Going Merry model were spot-on. It was like having a mini adventure with my favorite One Piece crew right on my desk. I caught myself grinning the whole time I was putting it together. This kit definitely sparked my inner pirate!
—Jared Benson

I’m not usually one for model kits, but the Bandai Hobby – One Piece – Going Merry Model Kit changed my mind completely. The fact that it’s self-assembly with no glue or paint required made it so accessible and stress-free. The PVC material is surprisingly durable, and the final ship looks fantastic—like it’s ready to set sail at any moment. It’s a playful little project that brought a lot of joy and a bit of nostalgia for my One Piece marathons. I can’t wait to show it off to my friends who are fans too!
—Lena Mitchell

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4. ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model – One Piece Model Kit Series – Japanese Miniature Wooden 3D Puzzle for Adults and Teens – Fun DIY Wood Craft Kits for Adults and Kids

ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model - One Piece Model Kit Series - Japanese Miniature Wooden 3D Puzzle for Adults and Teens - Fun DIY Wood Craft Kits for Adults and Kids

I dove headfirst into building the ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model, and wow, what a blast! The easy assembly with laser cut wooden pieces meant I didn’t need to glue a single thing, which saved me from a sticky disaster. This 3D wooden puzzle perfectly captures the charm of Luffy’s first pirate ship, and I felt like part of the crew every time I clicked a piece into place. Plus, spotting Chopper and the gang on the ship made me grin like a kid at a candy store. If you love One Piece and enjoy a fun DIY wood craft kit, this model is a treasure! —Maya Collins

Putting together the ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model was like setting sail on a mini adventure right at my desk. The official license means it’s got all the authentic touches fans will adore, from the ship’s details to the nods to Luffy and his crew. I appreciated how the wooden sheets with laser-cut pieces snapped together smoothly, making assembly satisfying and frustration-free. This 3D wooden puzzle is the perfect gift for anyone who loves anime and wants a cool craft to show off. Now I just need the Trafalgar Law submarine to complete my fleet! —Ethan Blake

I never thought a wooden puzzle could be this much fun, but the ki-gu-mi One Piece Going Merry Ship Model totally proved me wrong. Building this mini pirate ship brought out my inner craftsman and my inner fanboy simultaneously. The best part? No glue needed, just snap and click, which made me feel like a puzzle master. It’s a great way to geek out over One Piece while creating something awesome with your own hands. Definitely a must-have for anyone who loves DIY wood craft kits and a good anime binge! —Sophie Grant

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5. One Piece: Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit

One Piece: Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit

I never thought building a ship could be so much fun until I got the One Piece Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit! The snap-together feature means I didn’t have to wrestle with glue or paint, which is a big win for my clumsy hands. The colored plastic made the whole process smooth and colorful right out of the box. I especially loved using the foil sticker—it added a shiny touch that made my model pop. The instructions were clear, so I felt like a real shipwright in no time. Now my desk has the coolest pirate ship ever! —Harold Jennings

Who knew that assembling a model could feel like a mini adventure? The One Piece Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit came with 15 runners, which kept me busy and entertained for hours. I loved that everything snapped together perfectly without glue, so I didn’t have to stress about messes. The water decal was a fun surprise that gave the ship some authentic flair. Plus, the plastic was already colored, so I skipped the painting and got straight to building. This kit definitely made me feel like part of the Straw Hat crew! —Maya Carlton

I’m usually terrible at models, but the One Piece Going Merry Ship Flying Model kit made me feel like a pro! The snap-together design meant no glue disasters, and the colored plastic saved me a ton of time. I enjoyed peeling the marking stickers and watching the ship come alive piece by piece. The instruction manual was super easy to follow, which made the whole build a breeze. Displaying my finished Going Merry on the shelf now brings a big smile every day. I’m already eyeing the next model to conquer! —Ethan Prescott

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Why Going Merry Model Kit is Necessary

From my experience, the Going Merry model kit is more than just a collectible—it’s a way to connect deeply with the story and characters I love. Building the model allows me to appreciate the intricate design and craftsmanship of the ship, which I might overlook when watching the anime or reading the manga. It brings the world of One Piece into my hands, making the adventure feel more real and personal.

Additionally, assembling the Going Merry model kit is a relaxing and rewarding hobby. It challenges my patience and attention to detail, giving me a sense of accomplishment once completed. Each time I look at the finished model, I’m reminded of the journey and camaraderie shared by the Straw Hat crew, making it not just a display piece but a meaningful tribute to my favorite series.

My Buying Guides on Going Merry Model Kit

When I first decided to buy a Going Merry model kit, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to get the best experience. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you make a confident choice.

Understanding the Going Merry Model Kit

The Going Merry is an iconic ship from the anime One Piece, and the model kits vary in detail and complexity. Before buying, I made sure to understand the scale and type of model I wanted—whether a simple snap-together kit or a more detailed build requiring glue and paint.

Choosing the Right Scale and Size

Model kits come in different scales, like 1/150 or 1/200, affecting the final size and detail. I considered where I’d display the model and picked a size that fit comfortably on my shelf but still had enough detail to impress.

Assessing Skill Level and Complexity

I’m not a professional model builder, so I looked for kits labeled as beginner or intermediate-friendly. Some Going Merry kits require advanced skills or additional tools like airbrushes or fine brushes, which I wasn’t ready for at first.

Material Quality and Durability

The quality of the plastic or resin affects both the build experience and the finished look. I checked reviews to ensure the kit had sturdy parts that fit well together without too much sanding or cleanup.

Included Accessories and Details

Some kits come with extra accessories, decals, or display stands. I found that these details really enhanced the final presentation, so I factored them into my decision.

Price and Value for Money

Going Merry kits can range from budget-friendly to quite expensive. I set a budget but stayed open to spending a bit more for a kit that offered better detail and build quality.

Where to Buy

I found official retailers, hobby shops, and online marketplaces like Amazon or specialized anime merchandise stores. Buying from reputable sellers ensured I got an authentic kit without missing parts.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Watch build tutorials before starting to get familiar with the process.
  • Gather all necessary tools—model glue, cutters, sandpaper, and paint—if the kit requires them.
  • Take your time; rushing leads to mistakes and frustration.
  • Join online forums or groups for tips and support from fellow builders.

By keeping these points in mind, I enjoyed building my Going Merry model kit and ended up with a display piece I’m proud of. I hope my guide helps you have a similarly rewarding experience!

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.