Which kit would be better for me to make next, MS Mayflower or the Occre Cala Esmeralda

[SiriusVoyager]

For those that have experience with both manufacturers, which kit would be easier or more straight forward to build?  For the Model Shipways Mayflower, I would build it as is out of the box.  For the Esmeralda, my plan is to bash it to model the Santa Eulalia (which the kit is based off of).  It looks like the bashing shouldn't be too involved, but it would be my first real experience with any level of bashing.  The Mayflower seems like it may be a bit more complicated, but it has very thorough instructions.  The Occre kit appears to be a standard Occre build, but again, with the addition of some kit bashing.  I think the main thing I might be hung up on is rigging, a three mast square rig vs a three mast schooner (The Santa Eulalia doesn't have top sails which simplifies the rigging).  You can see what kits I have completed in my signature.   Thank you for any insights.

 

 

https://modelexpo-online.com/Model-Shipways-MAYFLOWER-1620-SCALE-176_p_1019.html

 

https://www.victoryshipmodels.com/ship-model-cala-esmeralda-wooden-static-kit-occre-topsail-schooner.html

 

 

[ccoyle]

Your dhow demonstrated that you have the skills needed to complete either of those. Which one appeals more at a visceral level?

[JacquesCousteau]

As someone who got started in this hobby after visiting the Santa Eulalia (below, a photo of the half-hull model that's hanging on the cabin wall in the actual ship), I know which one I would choose. But it really depends on what you're interested in. Which ship catches your attention more? I'd say that, if you want to try kitbashing, the Santa Eulalia would be a very good option. The Barcelona Maritime Museum has a plan set available, and there are lots of photos.