Advertisement

Robalo R230: 2020 Boat Buyers Guide

The R230 was built with both fishing and family boating in mind.
Robalo R230 running shot
LOA: 23′ | Beam: 8’6″ | Fuel Capacity: 90 gal. | Dry Weight: 4,000 lb. plus power | Max HP: 250 | Certifications: NMMA Robalo Boats

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.

Advertisement

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 helm
The centered helm is comfortable, with leaning post seating and large dash for electronics. Robalo Boats

Robalo R230

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement
Advertisement