i like the officer, but i prefer the torso of the old redcoats with real straps instead of the painted ones.
The boat (ship?) is cute...I'm trying to reconcile it with its true-life counterpart, but what would that be? A cutter? a gunboat (which is what the 4444 corresponds with)? Or a miniature ship?
I do love the officer's new hair, and I am really happy about the union jack flag (I shall transplant it onto my 3050 post haste). The new sword is interesting, but I wonder why they chose to give the officer a rapier instead of a cutlass? Did officers of this time era carry rapiers? I've never noticed that before.
Paintscheme is a bit fisherpricey IMO. I would most likely customize the colours to be more realistic, including, as you mention, recolouring the helm. The sails should replaced with cloth and include some rigging.
Great review! I must have this boat either way! (is this avail in US yet?)