Released earlier this month (January 2024), the sailing boat (60438) is a simple, yet enjoyable build. It is the kind of set that can be enjoyed by anybody, allowing those with low building confidence, to happily create the boat with no issue.
I was a little down-hearted when opening the box. The hull of the boat is an all-in-one brick. I understand that this is great for water play, and get the reason for it’s use. Having built the Eloise boat, it just feels like the set has reached a point that people have feared for a long time. For the past few decades, there has been a worry that the use of ‘sets’ was very linear and didn’t drive as much learning as could be achieved. The boat still builds well and I don’t believe it is a deal-breaker, and certainly not for those children who want to enjoy it in water. (I do believe that ballast may be needed to keep it safely upright.)
Even-so, the set is fun. the minifigures are fabulous and each have two expressions. The male has a smile and a ‘sick’ face. The female has happy and shocked. I like that this new release gives a sense of adventure. This alone can fight against the ‘non-linear’ aspects that are feared.
The set was £17.99 and is quite suited at this price point. I am not sure that it is as good as some other sets. (I think of the Penguin Slushy Van, which is at the same price.) I believe that this is due to the extended play that is achieveable, but, peice-to-peice, this is behind others.
In summary, this set is great and I would reccomend it if you are a boat lover, like myself. Lego release a new boat, every few years. I have found that they retire quite quickly as compared to some of the other vehicles. It will make as good a Lego ornament in your collection as that of the children’s toy. If you look around, in time, this may be attainable for as low as £14. I have seen this happen, but it may be a while, yet. At this price, it would be more than worth it.
First Impressions – ‘A Little Sadened’ leading to ‘Enjoyment’
Price-Point – Average Plus
Time to Build – 30-45 Minutes
Score: 6/10
(All details were correct at the time of writing, 20th January ‘2024)
