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Robalo R272: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide

The R272 is ready for fishing, running, and entertaining the family.
Robalo R272: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide
LOA: 27’4″ | Beam: 9’6″ | Fuel Capacity: 180 gal. | Dry Weight: 7,000 lb. with power | Max HP: 500 | Certifications: NMMA Courtesy Robalo

Robalo has long prided itself on its Kevlar-reinforced hulls, variable deep-V designs with straight-tracking 22- or 23-degree deadrise at the transom, and a wave-splitting bow. Called Hydro Lift, the design produces quick plane times and thrifty fuel efficiency, and what Robalo calls a “feather-soft” ride.

The Hydro Lift hull design offers one of the driest and smoothest rides. Wide reverse chines and pronounced hull strakes deliver exceptional stability and performance, directing spray away from the boat.

Loyal to its proven hulls, Robalo continually upgrades on-deck appointments and fishing features, and uses premium components. Among line-wide Robalo traits is high freeboard, so anglers and others feel even more secure in deep cockpits.

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Robalo makes center-consoles, dual-consoles, Cayman bay boats and walkarounds.

Robalo R272: 2019 Boat Buyers Guide
The fiberglass hardtop features four rod holders and lights, and the option to add outriggers. Courtesy Robalo

Robalo R272
Robalo’s new R272 center-­console boat — what the company calls its CC flagship — is ready for fishing, running, and entertaining the family.

Fishing-minded standard ­features include a 100-gallon cockpit fish box with overboard discharge pump, twin 25-gallon fish boxes within the bow casting deck, and a molded 20-gallon cooler or livewell within an ­aft-facing bench seat.

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The boat has six gunwale-mounted rod holders, meeting or exceeding the stated needs of 93 percent of inshore- and 70 percent of offshore-fishing survey respondents. A pair of stainless-steel rod/drink holders can be added. Horizontal tubes safely store six rods.

A fiberglass hardtop with four more rod holders and lights is standard, with outriggers among the options. Choose from a menu of Garmin and Simrad electronics. A bait-prep station/wet bar is another option.

When it’s time to battle and boat a fish, the R272’s full three-across aft bench seat flips up and into the transom.

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When entertaining takes over from fishing, the bow ­casting platform quickly becomes U-shaped cushioned seating and a table; forward-facing backrests can be installed or removed as desired. A porta-potty is standard within a front-entry head; you can upgrade to an electric toilet and holding tank.

Within the R272’s Kevlar-reinforced hull is encapsulated reserve flotation that will please the 70 percent of respondents for whom unsinkability is the top consideration in boat selection.

Survey Says: On Target

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  • Focus on safe, stable ride
  • Rod holders/storage meet or exceed expectations
  • Raw-water and freshwater washdown

Owners Say

  • Like fishing room; handling in rough seas
  • Great fishability in the ocean
  • Great offshore handling
  • Like the maneuverability and handling of the boat
  • Can troll five lines effortlessly

Robalo Says

  • Prime to tackle any fishing adventure
  • Best-in-class features
  • Phenomenal overall performance

More Info: robalo.com

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