The Spirit of Kahuka, Royal Lego Islanders Catamaran.

This Lego Catamaran is inspired by the islanders and pirates theme of 1994.

the set serves as a nice display piece that has play features.

it consists of two crude "canoes' that are parallel interlinked by a mid section that contains the sail.

the front and back of the canoes and mid section have a simple tile system to easily attach and detach different modules. like the throne or the beast decorations.

in this setup the throne is on the back of the mid section with drums and the rudders.

I wanted to update the islanders color palette that mainly consists of red, black, yellow and green jungle elements. So I tried to find some in between colors that make for a nice vintage melee that keep the original feeling. In addition I decided after some tries to make "bone" as in different shades of Tan more prominent as it fits the crudeness I was going for in this set. I wanted the catamaran to be a sort of royal "flagship" of the islanders. To be richly decorated with some "golden" (yellow) accents and mostly boney details like fangs and claws of defeated foes and creatures. also the main construction bulk of the mid section is build with larger "bone" pieces. the throne is build with more "gold" pieces to show its importance. The River serpents double as foes and attachable pieces to decorate the bow and stern of the canoes. to make a more rich design with some green and vintage marine.

The main sail can function as a nice "pixelart" piece. in this case I made a crude (kahuka) face with lighting to power the catamaran and bring fear to its foes.

I always loved the Lego Islanders theme from when I was young. I didn't have the enchanted island or the forbidden cove but I had the catamaran. So I played with that set a lot.

Seeing some of the excellent remakes and additions of the older castle and pirates themes I wished the Islanders got some love and recognition too. With my previous Idea of a few years ago: the islanders spirit beacon I tried to do this. but in hindsight I recognize its flawed as very static brick inefficient object. Now with the Catamaran I hoped I solved this issue in making an equally iconic set that has a more dynamic design that aids to the display value and playability of the set.

I think its nice to have a iconic display playset of the lego islanders that celebrates the 30th anniversary of this theme and adds flavour and variety to the recent pirates and soldiers sets that were released. just like it did back in the day. I think collectors of these themes will recognise and appreciate this addition. but also playability is not an oversight in this design.

The Spirit of Kahuka with its elite crew is capable of hunting the most dangerous of river creatures.

The elders tell that young Kahuka survived an encounter with a Tarakava from a different lego theme.

Now many years after Kahuka's ascension his spirit blows perpetual wind into the sail and guides it trough the darkest of nights.