Dumas Model Boats: History, Closure in 2026 and Finding Kits
Dumas Products was one of the best-known American makers of wooden model boat kits. Founded by Al Dumas in Milwaukee in 1946, the company changed hands and moved before the Brandon family took over in the early 1960s, eventually offering more than 100 boat kits from its base in Tucson, Arizona. In 2026, after nearly 80 years, Dumas announced it was closing, with orders processed until April and the business closing in May 2026; remaining stock was reported to go to Model Expo.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Al Dumas founds the company in Milwaukee |
| Early 1960s | Brandon family takes over; range expands |
| Later decades | Over 100 boat kits; based in Tucson, Arizona |
| 2026 | Closure announced; business closes in May |
From company statements and hobby news reports.
What Dumas made
Dumas kits covered classic runabouts, Chris-Craft-style mahogany boats, tugs, fishing boats, racing hydroplanes, sailboats and scale military craft. Many were designed for RC, with wooden hulls built from plywood and strip planking. They were known for detailed instructions and a traditional building experience. Other kit makers are covered in RC boat kits.
Finding Dumas kits now
- Model Expo was reported to receive remaining stock.
- Hobby shops may still have unsold kits.
- Online auctions and club sales for used and unbuilt kits.
- Plans and instructions shared by enthusiast groups.
- European distributors that carried Dumas kits.
Building a Dumas kit
- Read the instructions fully before starting.
- Build on a flat board and keep the hull straight.
- Seal all wood with epoxy or marine varnish.
- Plan electronics placement before closing the hull.
- Finish with stain and varnish for classic mahogany looks.
Classic boats with modern power
Many builders fit Dumas runabouts with modern brushless motors and LiPo batteries, which gives realistic speeds and long runs while keeping the classic look. Scale boats run best gently; save racing power for racing hulls.
Legacy
For generations of American modellers, a Dumas kit was the first boat they built. The company’s closure marks the end of an era, but thousands of Dumas boats remain on ponds and shelves. A comparable European story is that of Robbe model boats.
Popular Dumas kit types
Dumas was especially loved for its classic mahogany runabouts inspired by famous American wooden boats, alongside tugs and work boats, racing hydroplanes from the golden age of boat racing, sailboats and military craft such as PT boats. Many kits were sized for RC conversion, with room for electric motors, servos and batteries. The variety meant there was a Dumas kit for almost every style of boat modeller.
Restoring an old Dumas boat
Older built Dumas boats often need resealing, as wood can absorb water over the years. Strip loose varnish, repair cracks with epoxy, reseal, and update the electronics. Keep original fittings if you value authenticity.
Community
Model boat clubs and online forums have many Dumas builders who share build logs and tips, which is invaluable for kits whose maker no longer offers support.
If you find an unbuilt Dumas kit, check that all parts, plans and fittings are present before paying, since replacement parts are no longer available from the maker.
Photos of finished Dumas boats shared by builders online are a great source of inspiration for paint schemes and details.
Take your time: wooden boats reward patience and careful finishing.
FAQ
Has Dumas closed?
Yes, Dumas announced its closure in 2026.
When was Dumas founded?
In 1946 in Milwaukee.
Where can I buy Dumas kits now?
Remaining stock was reported to go to Model Expo; also used markets.
Can I still build one?
Yes, with kits found from shops and collectors.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
