Historically, ship planes were essential tools aboard shipyards and coastal workshops, enabling craftsmen to shape planking and frames that followed the natural curvature of a vessel's hull. Their compact size and narrow, sometimes curved, soles allowed precision work in confined or irregular spaces. Maritime toolmakers such as Edward Preston and Mathieson developed models specifically for this kind of demanding use.

In the age of wooden ships, every hull required shaping by hand. Ship planes came in numerous forms — from narrow rabbet planes to long compass planes — each serving a particular task in the hull or decking process. Many were forged to exacting standards, as the durability and reliability of such tools could mean the difference between a seaworthy vessel and a leaky one.

'No shipwright’s chest was ever complete without a selection of ship planes, each curved to match the hull’s lines.'

Although modern boatbuilding often employs power tools and synthetic materials, there remains a dedicated community of wooden boatbuilders and shipwrights who continue to use traditional ship planes. These tools offer exceptional control for delicate shaping and finishing, particularly on restorations or fine wooden craft. Their utility and historical charm continue to make ship planes valued assets in any maritime workshop.