I had as much fun as my twins have daily building it.  I thought, if it were me, which would I prefer?  plastic turtle sandbox or pirate ship sand box?  Good size, great craftsmenship!!  things that wiuld have made it better: extra lock nut (one was stripped) - I am confident that a new one would be swiftly shipped to me if needed, but I made it work...The kids love it!!!  I love it!!! its great.  I went a little further than the instructions called for and wood glued all joints for added stability and also added an extra clear coat.  It is likely weather treated by the smell and a thin clear coat is obvious, but its so beautiful, I wanted to help it last as long as possible!!!