Robbe Model Boats: History, Classic Kits and Where the Range Went
Robbe Modellsport was a German model company founded in 1924 by Robert Becker, originally as a timber business, which began making model kits after 1945. With Graupner, Multiplex and Simprop it was one of the “big four” that made RC modelling popular in Germany, and its model boat kits were widely built across Europe. Robbe filed for insolvency in 2015; the ship model division passed to Krick Modelltechnik, which sells former Robbe boats under the “romarin by krick” name, while the Robbe brand itself went to other owners.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Short history
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1924 | Founded by Robert Becker as a timber company |
| After 1945 | Hubert Becker starts producing model kits |
| Decades after | One of Germany’s “big four” RC model makers; distributor for brands like Align and Kyosho |
| 2015 | Insolvency; business units sold separately |
| 2015 | Ship model division to Krick (“romarin by krick”) |
| 2017 | Brand name acquired by Modellbau Lindinger |
From the German Wikipedia article and trade reports.
What Robbe boats were like
Robbe made a wide range of boat kits: scale working boats such as tugs and fishing boats, sport boats, sailing yachts and racing hulls. Kits typically combined moulded hulls with wooden superstructures and detailed fittings, and came with step-by-step plans. They were popular with clubs and families because they could be built at home and run on local ponds. Many are still sailing, built decades ago and restored.
Where to get them today
Some former Robbe ship kits are sold by Krick under the “romarin by krick” label, so a model you remember may still be available new, sometimes updated. Others are only found second-hand: on auction sites, club sales and model fairs. Unbuilt original kits are sought by collectors. For current kits from other makers, see RC boat kits.
Restoring a Robbe boat
- Strip out the old electronics; they’re often 27/40 MHz with old batteries.
- Check the hull for cracks and the wood for rot or swelling.
- Re-seal wooden parts with modern varnish or epoxy.
- Replace the stern tube and shaft if worn; check the prop.
- Fit a modern brushed or brushless motor, ESC, LiPo or NiMH and a 2.4 GHz radio.
- Refresh paint and decals, keeping originality if you value it.
Buying a used Robbe boat
- Complete hull and superstructure, with fittings.
- Plans or manual included (or downloadable copies).
- No major cracks or water damage.
- Electronics treated as a bonus, not a guarantee.
- Price fair for the condition and completeness.
Other classic brands
Graupner, Krick, Aero-naut and US names like Dumas also made generations of boat kits, and many share the same building approach. Comparing them helps when looking for replacement fittings, since many parts are interchangeable. See Dumas model boats for an American example.
Are Robbe boats valuable?
Built Robbe boats usually sell for modest prices that reflect their condition and the work in them. Unbuilt kits in their original boxes, especially rare or large scale models, attract higher prices from collectors. If you’re selling, include photos of the hull, fittings and plans, and be clear about what electronics are included and whether they work.
Robbe boats at clubs
Many model boat clubs in Germany and across Europe still have members running Robbe tugs, fishing boats and yachts, often built decades ago. Club members can be the best source of advice and spare fittings for these models.
FAQ
Does Robbe still make model boats?
The boat range continues in part as “romarin by krick”.
When did Robbe go bankrupt?
It filed for insolvency in 2015.
Where can I find Robbe boat plans?
From sellers, clubs and collectors; some are shared online.
Can I fit modern electronics?
Yes, a 2.4 GHz radio and modern motor fit most hulls.
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
