Dimension scores are derived from public data and fields; weighted into the composite. Reference only.
The Floating Drydock is a U.S.-based vertical e-commerce business founded in 1973. Its core audience includes ship model builders, naval history enthusiasts, authors, publishers, and film/TV production teams. The site describes itself as the “largest supplier of US Navy warship information,” selling warship plans, photo CDs, books, eBooks, model accessories, photo-etched parts, camouflage references, and related materials.
Its main competitive advantage is not a modern general e-commerce experience, but the depth of its reference archive. The site states that it has more than 15,000 products/reference entries, with different drawing types organized into series such as TFW, Bu, G, GQ, and Hull. Coverage includes battleships, destroyers, submarines, PT boats, Vietnam War riverine craft, and more. The Ray Bean Naval Photo Series is sold exclusively by The Floating Drydock, making it useful for modelers who need highly accurate photographic references.
Items are priced individually. CD/eBook prices commonly range from about USD 14.95 to USD 29.95, while plans can reach USD 65, and the highest example for specialist books is USD 60. Shipping rules are fairly detailed: most U.S. domestic orders are charged by order value, ranging from USD 9.80 to USD 22; Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii have additional surcharges. Canada/Mexico shipping is about USD 27.95, while international shipping starts at around USD 34.50. For some high-postage regions, the site may send an additional PayPal invoice to cover the difference. Buyers in Maryland need to add 6% sales tax.
The strengths are its highly specialized catalog, decades of accumulated reference material, clear explanations of plan series, and support for credit cards, PayPal, checks, money orders, and overseas wire transfers. The downsides are also obvious: the site still uses a traditional catalog-page and order-form model, with relatively weak filtering, inventory visibility, and checkout experience. International shipping costs are complex, and large orders or remote destinations should be confirmed in advance. The operation also appears to be run with limited staffing, so fulfillment speed may vary.
The Floating Drydock is well suited to serious ship modelers, naval history researchers, model clubs, military publishers, and film/TV prop or reference teams. It is not ideal for users who want fast checkout, real-time inventory, low shipping costs, or mass-market model toys.
The source text does not provide information on access from mainland China, delivery to China, or local payment options. Actual accessibility and order feasibility should be confirmed by email before placing an order.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on floatingdrydock.com official site.
floatingdrydock.com is an United States E-commerce provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 4.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of Workable. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach floatingdrydock.com directly.