I started with MS Access but switched to Filemaker Pro, a relational database now from Claris (owned by Apple). I stopped upgrading with Version 19 (current version is 22) as the feature set and cost grew beyond my needs and likes.

It captures relations such as different models and versions of the same underlying ship more easily than a spreadsheet. Also good at integrating photos. I also wrote some back end code that generates a web site view.