LEGO Boat and ship sets, with hull pieces that float

1972

The first LEGO boat sets with hull pieces designed to float were introduced in 1972. These initial sets were part of the LEGOLAND theme and used specialized, multi-piece hull assemblies to ensure buoyancy.

Overview of 1972 Floating Boat Sets

The 1972 release marked a significant step in LEGO's history, as it allowed children to play with their creations in water. These sets did not include minifigures, as they were introduced later.

Design: The hulls were constructed from multiple large, molded plastic sections (bow, stern, and middle sections) that snapped together to form a watertight base. A weighted keel piece was often attached to the bottom to provide stability and keep the boat upright in the water.

Motorization: A key feature of these floating hulls was a notch on the bottom designed to attach a small, third-party electric motor, allowing the boats to move under their own power in a bathtub or pool.

Specific 1972 Sets

The initial release included a variety of boats covering different commercial and emergency roles:

LEGO 401 Cabin Cruiser: A leisure boat set built on the floating hull pieces.

LEGO 402 Fire Boat: An emergency services set that was a precursor to many future fire boat models, featuring the floating hull.

LEGO 403 Police Boat: A law enforcement themed boat that was also designed for water play.

LEGO 404 Tug Boat: A workboat model that proved popular for its simple design and functionality.

LEGO 405 Speedboat: A smaller, faster-looking boat set within the initial floating hull range.

These early floating boat sets established a popular sub-theme that continued for decades, with new hull designs introduced over the years.