Robalo, a leader in the marine industry since 1968, calls building world-class fishing boats “a passion and a way of life.”
It builds center-consoles, Cayman bay boats, dual-consoles and walkarounds. What they share are super-tough, Kevlar-reinforced Hydro Lift hulls, in variable deep-V designs with straight-tracking 22- or 23–degree transom deadrise and a wave-splitting bow.
The Hydro Lift design -produces quick plane times, thrifty fuel efficiency, and a soft ride. Robalo traits also include high freeboard, so anglers and others feel secure even in deep cockpits.
Robalos are hand-built in Nashville, Georgia, in a 1.2–million-square-foot production facility that has earned the company the title of world’s largest single-site boatbuilder.
The company prides itself on its use of stainless-steel hardware, loom-wrapped wiring, triple O-ring waterproof electrical connectors, standard heavy-duty rub rail, and premium upholstery. Robalo also makes its own hardtops, storage-compartment lids, dash consoles, doors and interior components.
Robalo R230
The Robalo R230—which is near the midpoint, lengthwise, of its eight-boat center-console line—has both fishing and family boating in mind.
The fishing focus is in vertical storage for six rods, and horizontal-tubes storage for four more, along with the four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders that meet the minimums for about one-third of our center-console survey respondents. The aft seat’s folding backrest converts to a casting platform.
The aft cockpit livewell holds 25 gallons. Serving the helm, standard is an anodized leaning post with backrest, four rod holders and a 72-quart cooler; leaning-post options include powder-coated models with dual flip-up bolsters.
Up top, options -include a Bimini top, console cover, hardtop in anodized aluminum or powder coat, and Taco Grandslam outriggers.
Standard are an aluminum-framed glass windshield, lockable console door, forward console seat and bolster, bow cushions, two insulated 23-gallon storage compartments, portlight, port- a-potty and premium audio.
You can add LED underwater lights, electronics packages, and trim tabs with indicators.
Survey Says: On Target
⋅Ample family seating
⋅Roomy fishing cockpit
⋅Generous storage
Owners Say
⋅Stability is great
⋅From fishing to scuba diving, I can do it all
⋅Style
⋅Stable and versatile
Brand Says
⋅Cutting-edge technology with timeless styles
⋅The [Robalo] goal is to make boating easy
⋅One of the driest and smoothest rides on the water today
More Info: robalo.com