Academy Da Vinci Paddle Boat

We bought the Academy Da Vinci Paddle Boat for our grandson on his ninth birthday. He had evidenced some interest in building models, so we bought him a book on Leonardo da Vinci and his inventions. We had ordered the paddle boat to be sent directly to him. The book was an enticement to building the model on his own. The model was easy to build for a first-time builder but was an excellent example of an historical invention. It is made of plastic..other Academy models are of wood...but that was really good in this case, as it really floats and moves in water. It was a good choice, easy enough for him to build, workable so he felt good about having done it, and he had something of historical interest to display and talk about.

We assembled this with a mechanically minded 3.5 year old! He snapped most parts together himself as we walked him through the assembly pictures and found the pieces for him. He couldn't wait to play with it in the bathtub afterward! It's not super for a boat toy (easy to tip) but once we got it all together it motored pretty fast in the bathtub. Make sure to push pieces all the way in, we got to the end and it didn't quite ratchet but just needed an extra squeeze to make work.

fun to put together, but that's about it. Should be sold in a dollar store. very cheap plastic. Stay away,

Besides creating enthusiasm to complete the Paddle boat, it gives me the opportunity to answer questions regarding Da Vinci as a historical figure to my grandson. I have bought other Da Vinci models for him, and he has displayed them with a great sense of pride and accomplishment. It is very rewarding to see his smiling face as he shows me the completed project. Also, at times, I have seen the bonding created while his older brother (22 yrs) joins in to help him finish. In conclusion, the model set encourages him to seek information on Da Vinci, helps with developing motor skills, provides entertainment and creates a sense of pride when the model has been completed. My grandson is 11 years old.

Bought as a gift to build with my grandson. We did and the building was fun. He wanted to test it so we filled the tub a bit and he started sending it back and forth and sunk it a couple of times. Now, it no longer properly winds up. The spring comes encased as a part and I haven’t had time to pry it apart and diagnose the problem. It’s either been overwound or the dunking has done something. In either case it should be more durable than to last only a few hours. I cannot recommend this product for anything other than display.

I didn’t realize when I purchased this that the instructions would be in a different language. That being said, my husband and 8 year old bonus son were able to easily construct this boat using the images. Joints fit nicely and the plastic is thick and durable. A very nice quality toy for kids who enjoy constructing. Highly recommend.

I love these because they are so simple and mess free! I use them with my special needs adult clients, they love them plus it's one of the few things that are age appropriate. They go together quickly and easily, and provide actual function. Wish they were a bit cheaper, but they are affordable.

Smaller than I expected. The measurements are for the box not the boat. Length 11.81 inches. That's the box. Boat length 7.25 inches. Actual length is nowhere in the description. I haven't put the boat together yet for actual measurements but they are in keeping with the discrepancy of the length. I Had expected wood from the illustration on Amazon. Description of materials was written in a foreign language so it wasn't apparent that it was plastic. It says multi-colored but it is all just brown plastic. No way would I be proud to display this piece. Suitable only as a gag gift. Not worth the price I paid. $5 would be a stretch. I would never buy from this company again.

War ein Geschenk, hat derjenigen aber viel Spass gemacht. Sie war ganz begeistert, weil es sich sehr gut zusammenbauen ließ. Alles passte genau zueinander, und die beweglichen Teile sind auch beweglich.

A reasonable example of DaVinci's constantly inquiring mind. Wish they would have left off the wind up motor(doesn't work). Makes this more of a toy so not a true representation of the man's genius.

Assembled and it does not operate.