The oldest form of half model is the block model, carved from a single block of wood.This type of model was used at least as early as 1715. The lines were taken off by tracing the profile of the model onto paper, and then cutting the model along the frame lines and then tracing the frame shapes. These tracings were expanded to full size from which the boat was built.

The most common form is the lift model.This form of model is made up of horizontal planks known as "lifts" which are temporarily fastened together to form a solid block. Both Salem and Newburyport Massachusetts claim the birthplace of the lift model which came into use about 1790. These early models were held together with wooden toggles.After 1820 the lifts were fastened with screws.

The half model was usually made to the "molded" dimensions of the boat, that is to say the inside of the planking. This was because the model was made to get the shape of the frames over which the planking would be laid.

The scales in the models varied with the size of the vessel. Large ships were modeled on the 1/4" or 3/8" scale. Fishing schooners were usually 3/8" or 1/2" scale. Small boats were 3/4" or 1" scale. Once carved, the model would be taken apart and traced on paper. These lines would be expanded (lofted) and shapes for the framing would be drawn.