Robalo R277 DC

The Robalo R277 Dual Console blends hardcore fishability with family-friendly comfort, delivering a vessel that excels whether you’re chasing offshore gamefish or enjoying a leisurely day on the water with loved ones. True to Robalo’s “overbuilt” motto, this dual console represents the brand’s commitment to rugged construction and lasting value.

Robalo’s reputation for quality begins with premium materials throughout. The R277 DC employs top-shelf fiberglass woven roving, resin, and gelcoat. The keel is Kevlar reinforced. Seating boasts long-wearing multi-density foam cushions for an optimum balance of soft comfort and support. The upholstery is of UV-resistant silicone fabric that resists pinking, sunscreen stains and salt—ideal for life offshore. This attention to durability translates directly to outstanding resale value when it’s time to trade up.

The hardtop and it’s super structure feature tapered and contoured closed-beam construction that follows the sweep of the lines. The structure was tough and unshakeable in our tests. It supports an equally rugged, but sleek hardtop to protect the crew members from the sun or ratty weather. A popular trademark of dual consoles is the wind dam that swings out of the helm console to latch at the port console, further protecting the cockpit from chilly weather, sea spray or rain. 

At 27 feet, 6 inches in length overall with a beam of 9 feet, 6 inches, the R277 provides generous fishing space while maintaining stability. The 23-degree deadrise at the transom delivers superior handling and a smooth, dry ride through choppy seas, making offshore excursions comfortable for everyone aboard. The hull design turns crisply and is easily controlled with the R277’s power steering.

My test boat was powered by twin Yamaha F250 outboards, and it achieved a top speed of 52.9 mph, while its most economical cruise of 31.2 mph delivers a remarkable 315-mile range. Acceleration is robust, reaching plane in just 3.9 seconds. It went from zero to 30 mph in a very sporty 8 seconds.

Once all that power gets you to the fishing grounds, a 30-gallon livewell with a deep, circular design keeps live baits in constant motion with no dead spots or corners where trapped bait can perish. Generous re-circulation from a large pump ensures your baits stay lively and ready to pin on and cast or slow-troll throughout the day.

The R277’s aft cockpit is surprisingly generous for a boat this size. A starboard gaffing area with integrated toe rails makes bringing fish over the gunwale efficient, with twin fish boxes positioned right where you need them. Gulper diaphragm pumps in each box handle effluent discharge. Rod storage options abound. There are four shotgun holders in the transom, optional combination cup/rod holders, corner-mounted holders, plus four rod holders and two kingfish rod holders on the hardtop to spread your baits in lieu of outriggers without the added hardware. 

The forward seating area  gives the R277 the sporty look of a bow rider. It is also upholstered with Robalo’s toughest foam and stain-resistant silicone upholstery. Lounges on either side allow passengers to recline facing the oncoming breeze while underway. A cooler keeps refreshments handy. Add a fiberglass filler and cushion to the bow area to create a full sunpad. Stainless-steel grab rails along both lounges add security, but are recessed to prevent interfering with angling. The cushions offer plenty of luxury and comfort, but remove these, and you’ve got an awesome forward casting deck—it’s also ideal for cast-netting for bait.

A wide transom bench that provides seating for cruising, folds away instantly when fishing action heats up, while a mezzanine-style L-shaped lounge lets passengers face the action while safely seated. The port lounge converts from back-to-back lounge seats to a full-length aft-facing sun lounge with an elevated head rest. Under the center cushion is a large insulated cooler that drains overboard.

A portside boarding door—uncommon on boats under 30 feet—opens inward and stays clear when docked, providing easy access for embarking or returning from a scuba dive or snorkeling using the removable boarding ladder. It also doubles as a tuna door to haul aboard fish too bulky to hoist over the gunwale. Below the portside console, a roomy head compartment features a porcelain toilet and freshwater sink, perfect for changing clothes on extended trips.

The XL helm seat has a sturdy fiberglass base, and the wide, well-cushioned captain’s chair rides on an electric actuator for  custom legroom adjustment. With the seat adjusted to taste, we found the ergonomics of the dash were comfortable with a well-placed tilt wheel, easy to   reach to the throttles and a clear view of navigation displays, stereo unit and windlass controls.     Yamaha and Robalo also collaborated on a Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system, making docking look professional every time, and providing a station-keeping feature that holds the vessel’s position while waiting for locks, a slot at the fuel dock or your turn at the ramp, if you trailer your boat.

Technology stays current aboard the R277 with inductive phone chargers under the dash and USB-C ports at the bow and cockpit. The optional JL Marine Audio system drives four hardtop-mounted speakers, two bow speakers, and a thumping subwoofer.

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Lenco Pro Control tabs feature automatic pitch and roll adjustment—press the auto button and the system compensates for crew movement or cross-seas conditions automatically. Simrad multifunction displays and flush-mounted switching keep the dash clean and accessible.

Ultimately, you might well be a hard-core angler, but can you say the same for the rest of your family? If you are looking to split the difference between a capable saltwater fishing machine and boat with comfort and features your family and non-fishing friends will love, give the Robalo R277 Dual Console a very close look.

Specifications

Robalo – Nashville, Georgia; robalo.com