Navy SEAL Boat
I found this boat at Toys R Us at the same time I came across the Steel Badger (LVTP-7 AMTRAC). I've seen this boat on the site before, so some of you may be familiar with it already.
This boat isn't based on any real boat out there used by the SEALs, but the SEALs do use some larger craft like this such as the Mark V(five) as a high speed boat that can catch up to any large ship easily and be used to launch a team with a Zodiac raft.
Let's just say I'm glad I opened the Steel Badger first. It wasn't what I had expected, and a bit of a let down, so to open this thing up, I was much happier with the purchase.
Like the the Steel Badger, the SEAL Boat is released under the True Heroes line made by Chap-Mei. While the Steel Badger seemed to be nothing more than just a hallow shell, this thing seems to have some thought put into it.
First off, a lot of the bigger Joe toys seem to have a gimmick on them; the Skystriker had the wings/landing gear movement, the Moray had the pop up missiles and foils that fold down, The Thunderwing and Night Attack Chopper have the fold down handles that launch missiles and do other things. It made those toys fun and interactive beyond just being a boat or plane, this SEAL boat has a gimmick or two of its own. On the bow it has a button to push and a missile launcher pops up (wonder where they got that idea), and there's a little under water dimi-widgit that a diver can use to propel himself under water that attaches to the side of the boat. The final gimmick on this thing is that it has wheels under its hull, the front one has its hub off center so while it's rolling, the bow pitches up and down, as if it was on water.
The details are pretty decent on this thing. On the bow, mounted on the pop up missile launcher is a set of Gatling guns, complete with molded ammo belts, there are also a couple of large machine guns mounted to the sides with non-molded ammo belts. The missile launcher has a button so it pops up, but the missiles are not removable.
The cabin features a driver's seat. Now here is one difference between a cheaper made toy and something Hasbro would put out; the steering wheel is molded onto the dash, where as a Hasbro vehicle would have its steering wheel a separate piece. On the other side of the cabin is a pedistal that a figure can stand on so he can pop up through the roof top turret. Rather than another gun, the turret features a spot light (with little effort, the light can be removed).
Behind the cabin is a tower that features a radar, but it doesn't spin. I haven't really taken a close up look, but I'm sure that can be changed with a little customizing.
On the stern of the boat is a flat, open deck area with an open rail on the aft. Within this deck area sits a big gun that features a seat with six [what look like] recoil-less rifles. That rotates and elevates. It is easily removable and can sit on its own.
Unlike any Joe toy I can remember, this boat includes flotation devices. There are two rings mounted on the side rail. Sure, Cutter, Top Side and newer Shipwrecks wear life vests, but is nobody on the Joe team concerned with water safety?
Mounted on the side is the little under water whats-a-ma-hoosits that a diver can use to move under water easier. It has a spinning propeller and a a peg on the side where an included harpoon gun can be mounted. It's handles are designed to be used with the included diver figure and are a bit on the fat side for Joe figures
Finally we come to the figures. Again, this is where the set falls short. Two figures are included, a driver and a diver. Both only have the old school Star Wars range of motion, but the diver's ankles rotate back so as to be in a more swimming-like position. He also has a peg holes on his front and back so you cans witch from a conventional SCUBA system on his back to the Dregger rebreather style on his front. He even comes with a camera that is designed to fit his hands. My figure's fins are a bit warped and bent, so he can't even stand up.
The driver is a nice mold and both are highly detailed, it's just too bad that they are both crap figures. The set comes with a plastic tree of accessories, one is the same as the one that came with the Steel Badger. Again both these guys and their gear along with the rear deck gun are going to find their way into the parts/eBay bin.
For those of you who want to repaint this thing, it is screwed together so disassembly should be easy., but personally, I like the colour scheme on it.
I was originally going to repaint my Moray to be a SEAL boat, but now with the purchase of this thing, I'm not so sure. How does it compare to the Moray? It is slightly longer and about as wide, and only because of the radar tower, it stands taller.
Just in case your mission requires it, there is a trailer hitch on the aft of the boat so you can pull your camper or snow mobiles with you into the water. Maybe you can use it a hook for your water skiing tow rope. And yes, it does float.
Am I happy with this purchase? Yes I am. It is a far better buy at $25 than the Steel Badger. There is a lot more detail and feels more solidly built. The gimmicks are usable and it will fit in with my other sea going craft.
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Some people, when trying to avoid thinking about those things that cause them pain, turn to drink, food, or drugs...I turn not to any of those...I collect action figures. Over the years, I've found that alcoholism is much more socially acceptable by far.
