The SavyBoat Authenticity Promise —
Craftsmanship You Can Trust, Verified at Every Step
How to Verify Your SavyBoat Model Is Authentic
Every SavyBoat model is a work of precision craftsmanship of the highest quality; a museum-quality scale replica conceived, designed, and built to honor the great vessels and crews that shaped maritime history and defined the high seas.
Because of the premium quality and growing collectible value of our models, they have become among the most sought-after models on the market. Because our models have become cherished heirlooms and investments, they have attracted some to produce unwanted counterfeit imitations. Our new Authentication protections were developed to help protect these cherished collectibles.
SavyBoat.com developed a comprehensive, multi-layered authenticity system to protect our maritime community. At the heart of this system is the SavyBoat Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) and Holographic QR Verification Seal (HQVS).
This guide explains exactly what to look for, where to find it, and how to verify your model's authenticity. We encourage our customers to familiarize themselves with how our new authentication works and to share it with any fellow collector they know.
The SavyBoat Standard
Genuine SavyBoat Models are NOT mass-produced. They are individually handcrafted. Each model is registered, serialized, and individually traceable from the workshop to your display. Each model has a history and is verifiable by you at any time.
Our commitment to authenticity is not a disclaimer; it is a design principle that is built into every model we produce. Here is what that means in practice:
- Every SavyBoat model is individually handcrafted and quality-inspected by a certified SavyBoat master craftsman before it leaves our manufacturing facility. It does not ship until it passes our strict quality requirements.
- Each model is assigned a unique Serial Number upon shipping. This number is permanently registered in the SavyBoat.com Authenticated Models Registry since the program’s launch in 2026. The SavyBoat registry is a secure database accessible only by our SavyBoat.com staff. It is intended to help our customers verify the authenticity of their model and ensure it is a true SavyBoat model.
- No two SavyBoat Models share the same serial number — ever. The registry is a closed, monitored system accessible only by authorized SavyBoat.com staff.
- The SavyBoat Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) is the primary mark of a genuine SavyBoat Model and is detailed in full in this guide.
- Additional secondary authenticity markers include the use of a Halographic QR Verification Seal (HQVS) and other embedded markers that can be found throughout each model.
- SavyBoat maintains production records for each model manufactured in accordance with this authentication program, which includes the model ship name, its unique serial number, the customer (when registered) and authorized seller (as applicable) through which the model was sold.
- To verify a model is authentic, contact SavyBoat.com at HELPDESK@SAVYBOAT.COM.
The SavyBoat Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) & Halographic QR Verification Seal (HQVS)
The Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) is the single most important authenticity feature on your SavyBoat Model. An additional level of authentication has also been added by use of a Halographic QR Verification Seal (HQVS).
What is the HAS & HVQS label?
A Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) label is a custom-designed, serialized, tamper-evident holographic label that is affixed to every genuine SavyBoat model we produce in accordance with this program. No two HAS labels are alike. The HAS label is produced using proprietary holographic technology that cannot be easily replicated with standard printing, a copy service, or sticker-manufacturing equipment. Any attempt to do so constitutes a criminal offense under federal intellectual property law.
The HAS label is unique to SavyBoat.com and is registered and maintained in our secure, global anti-counterfeit database.
Should a HAS label be replicated, an additional level of protection exists by virtue of the unique serial number. As each serial number is randomly assigned. It does not contain an embedded code assigned to a specific model type or style. The only way to match a model with a serial numbered HAS is by use of the SavyBoat secure global anti-counterfeit database. Without it, it makes it impossible to match a fake model to a serial number.
The HQVS label is a tamper-evident label, another anticounterfeit measure that SavyBoat employs. An HQVS label is a unique holographic label that contains a QR code that keeps our customers connected to the SavyBoat.com website and helps them register their model upon arrival to their collection.
What An HAS & HQVS Label Looks Like
|
Feature |
Description |
|
HVQ Label
|
SavyBoat Halographic QR Verification Seal (HQV) technology — the secondary seal of the SavyBoat Authentication Seal program. A halographic “SAVYBOAT.COM” and QR code with 3D depth and line effects. The text and lines appear to shift and move as you tilt the seal under light. |
|
HAS Label
|
SavyBoat Holographic Authentication Seal (HAS) technology — the standard underlying the SavyBoat Authentication Seal program. A halographic “AUTHENTIC” and “GENUINE” 3D depth and line effects. The text and lines appear to shift and move as you tilt the seal under light. |
|
Perimeter Text |
"SavyBoat.com” logo printed in black precision ink in the center of the label |
|
Serial Number |
A unique 6-digit numeric serial number printed in black precision ink below the “SavyBoat.com” logo |
|
Rainbow Color Shift |
The seal displays a full spectrum color shift (blue → gold → green → silver) when tilted at different angles under different light sources. This is physically impossible to replicate with standard printing technology |
|
"VOID" Pattern
|
If the seal is removed or tampered with, it leaves behind a permanent "VOID" honeycomb pattern on the surface below. This indicates evidence of tampering and cannot be concealed |
Where a HAS & HQVS label is located
- HQVS Location: The HQVS label is installed on the underside surface of the display base, generally near the underside of the location of the model's nameplate. For models that do not contain a display base, the HQVS is installed in a hidden inner compartment or on a hidden surface (when displayed) located on the bottom of the model's hull.
- HAS Location: A HAS label is installed on the top surface of the display base. It is the badge of authenticity that is included with each model. For models that do not contain a display base, the HAS is installed on a hidden inner compartment or on a hidden surface (when displayed), generally located on the bottom of the model's hull.
⚠️ Important: Both Seals Must Be Present
A genuine SavyBoat Model will always contain both a HAS and HQVS label installed as described herein. If either label is missing or the serial number does not match the number registered in the secure, global anti-counterfeit database, the model's authenticity is unconfirmed and questionable.
Red Flags to Watch For When Purchasing a Model
Customers are encouraged to exercise heightened caution if any of the following conditions apply to a model they are considering to purchase. The authenticity of a model should be in question if the:
- Price significantly below market value — Genuine SavyBoat Models are priced to reflect their craftsmanship. A deal that seems too good to be true almost is, every time.
- Seller unable or unwilling to provide a Certificate of Authenticity — Each genuine SavyBoat model is provided with a COA. A seller who cannot produce one is likely not selling a genuine SavyBoat model.
- Serial number not verifiable by SavyBoat.com — This is the clearest single indicator that a model may not be a genuine Savyboat model.
- Model purchased from an unauthorized seller — If the seller does not appear at savyboat.com/dealers or savyboat.com/retailers, they are likely not an authorized SavyBoat reseller.
- Seal missing HAS &HQVS label — Genuine models sold by SavyBoat.com contain a HAS and HQVS label.
- Quality is noticeably poor— SavyBoat models undergo rigorous quality inspection. Noticeably poor-quality features, such as poor rigging, crooked portholes, or poor details of a model, can be indicators of a non-genuine SavyBoat model.
Authorized SavyBoat Models Sellers
Genuine SavyBoat Models are sold exclusively through the SavyBoat Authorized Dealer Network by authorized dealers. SavyBoat models sold by an authorized dealer may not contain a SavyBoat HAS or HQVS label. By Licensed agreements, some Dealers may rebrand SavyBoat models with their own company's branding. Purchasing a model through any other source cannot guarantee a model's authenticity. Each dealer can be verified by contacting HELPDESK@SAVYBOAT.COM.
- SavyBoat.com — The official SavyBoat.com website. Always the safest, most reliable source for a genuine SavyBoat.com model. Each model is automatically registered in our secure, global anti-counterfeit database.
- SavyBoat Authorized Dealer Network — A curated network of verified premium retailers and resellers. Find the nearest authorized dealer by contacting HELPDESK@SAVYBOAT.COM.
- Select Premium Maritime Museums and Gift Shops — A limited number of premium maritime institutions carry SavyBoat models. Find your favorite museum by contacting HELPDESK@SAVYBOAT.COM.
Unauthorized Marketplace Purchases
SavyBoat Models purchased through unverified third-party marketplaces, including unverified eBay sellers, private sellers unknown, unauthorized websites, or unlisted social commerce channels, cannot be guaranteed authentic. To verify whether a seller is authorized, contact HELPDESK@SAVYBOAT.COM.
⚠️ A Note on Counterfeit Operations
SavyBoat.com is committed to protecting our maritime model community against fraud. We investigate and report counterfeit model operations to intellectual property enforcement authorities in the United States and internationally. Counterfeiting SavyBoat models, including the unauthorized reproduction of the Holographic Authentication Seal, branding, and/or COA, is a violation of U.S. federal law. SavyBoat will pursue civil and criminal action against all confirmed counterfeiters accordingly.