WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.180 --> 00:00:02.950 The following opinions are solely those 2 00:00:02.950 --> 00:00:05.173 of boattest.com and its test captain. 3 00:00:08.640 --> 00:00:10.410 Bay boats are becoming increasingly popular 4 00:00:10.410 --> 00:00:12.400 for their ability to get into skinny water. 5 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:13.700 Robalo makes a version that 6 00:00:13.700 --> 00:00:15.540 also handles offshore conditions. 7 00:00:15.540 --> 00:00:18.000 line:15% This is the 246 Cayman, let's take a look, 8 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:20.550 line:15% for boattest.com I'm Captain Steve. 9 00:00:20.550 --> 00:00:22.230 Here we have the casting deck with seating 10 00:00:22.230 --> 00:00:24.540 just behind and these cushions add a family flair 11 00:00:24.540 --> 00:00:25.408 to this boat. 12 00:00:25.408 --> 00:00:27.470 We can also get optional back rests that will 13 00:00:27.470 --> 00:00:28.710 go in this position. 14 00:00:28.710 --> 00:00:31.080 The table serves a dual purpose, first it turns the bow 15 00:00:31.080 --> 00:00:33.940 into a small dining area, secondly the bow table 16 00:00:33.940 --> 00:00:36.730 also forms an integral component of the bow sun pad. 17 00:00:36.730 --> 00:00:38.380 At the front of the console we have the usual 18 00:00:38.380 --> 00:00:40.720 forward facing seat, the interior of the console 19 00:00:40.720 --> 00:00:44.040 is accessed from the front which gives you more room. 20 00:00:44.040 --> 00:00:46.890 Step down into the head with the optional porta potty. 21 00:00:46.890 --> 00:00:49.080 All of the bulkheads are protected and the entire 22 00:00:49.080 --> 00:00:51.140 compartment is lockable. 23 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:54.060 Adding to the family features, a flip up rumble seat 24 00:00:54.060 --> 00:00:57.480 with a seat back 20 inches high, 43 inches across, 25 00:00:57.480 --> 00:00:59.350 this provides a great place to ride out to the fishing 26 00:00:59.350 --> 00:01:00.996 grounds, and it's also protected from the wind 27 00:01:00.996 --> 00:01:02.710 from the console. 28 00:01:02.710 --> 00:01:04.570 Traditionally bay boats have two casting decks, 29 00:01:04.570 --> 00:01:06.920 one forward and one aft, and the forward deck 30 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:08.470 serves also as the seating. 31 00:01:08.470 --> 00:01:10.980 Here we have the casting deck with seating just behind. 32 00:01:10.980 --> 00:01:14.243 Remove the cushions and now we have two casting decks. 33 00:01:16.010 --> 00:01:18.070 Looking at the storage compartments, fully forward 34 00:01:18.070 --> 00:01:20.106 we have an anchor locker with anchor keepers 35 00:01:20.106 --> 00:01:23.410 and this compartment comes pre wired for trolling motor. 36 00:01:23.410 --> 00:01:26.600 Just behind, 30 gallon live well rounded corners, 37 00:01:26.600 --> 00:01:29.140 tinted blue, this one's also insulated so it can double 38 00:01:29.140 --> 00:01:30.830 as a fish box. 39 00:01:30.830 --> 00:01:33.040 The bolsters top out at 19 inches at the stern 40 00:01:33.040 --> 00:01:35.810 and 22 inches at the bow, naturally there's storage 41 00:01:35.810 --> 00:01:37.005 underneath for rods. 42 00:01:37.005 --> 00:01:40.210 Unique feature, these are tubes that run forward to protect 43 00:01:40.210 --> 00:01:41.926 the rods from hooking on wiring. 44 00:01:41.926 --> 00:01:44.560 The aft casting deck gives you eight feet seven inches 45 00:01:44.560 --> 00:01:46.476 of usable space across the beam. 46 00:01:46.476 --> 00:01:49.320 It also includes this center insert that's easily 47 00:01:49.320 --> 00:01:51.400 removable when it's time to bring the engine up. 48 00:01:51.400 --> 00:01:54.130 Of course, it has dedicated storage. 49 00:01:54.130 --> 00:01:55.690 There are two rod holders to the stern, 50 00:01:55.690 --> 00:01:58.950 plus two drink holders that also double as rod holders. 51 00:01:58.950 --> 00:02:01.020 Notice all the hardware is flush mounted removing 52 00:02:01.020 --> 00:02:03.540 any concern for tripping hazards. 53 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:05.620 To both sides of the casting deck we have aerated 54 00:02:05.620 --> 00:02:07.440 live wells, 30 gallons each, that makes 55 00:02:07.440 --> 00:02:09.417 a total of 90 on board. 56 00:02:09.417 --> 00:02:12.130 These are also rounded, tinted blue to reduce 57 00:02:12.130 --> 00:02:14.760 the shock effect on the live bait plus these are also 58 00:02:14.760 --> 00:02:17.380 insulated so they can be used as fish lockers. 59 00:02:17.380 --> 00:02:20.300 Love the lift and lock latches under this hatch, 60 00:02:20.300 --> 00:02:22.590 boaters best friend, the five gallon bucket. 61 00:02:22.590 --> 00:02:24.630 This is a great feature for the cast netters, 62 00:02:24.630 --> 00:02:27.160 also notice that the hatch opens towards the inside 63 00:02:27.160 --> 00:02:28.700 so it's easily accessible while the boat's 64 00:02:28.700 --> 00:02:30.310 line:15% still on the trailer. 65 00:02:30.310 --> 00:02:32.430 line:15% Here we have two storage lockers to either side 66 00:02:32.430 --> 00:02:35.262 line:15% for rods, both will hold six rods each. 67 00:02:35.262 --> 00:02:38.430 These lockable hatches are held open by gas assist struts 68 00:02:38.430 --> 00:02:40.210 and notice that they're hinged from the front 69 00:02:40.210 --> 00:02:42.340 so that they're easily accessible from the side, 70 00:02:42.340 --> 00:02:44.120 good feature when you're on the trailer. 71 00:02:44.120 --> 00:02:46.040 Full beam storage goes all the way across, 72 00:02:46.040 --> 00:02:47.930 in the center we've got storage for the two 73 00:02:47.930 --> 00:02:50.350 pedestals for the table, and just underneath 74 00:02:50.350 --> 00:02:51.710 if you have a trolling motor, that's where 75 00:02:51.710 --> 00:02:53.540 the batteries will go. 76 00:02:53.540 --> 00:02:55.840 Digital gauges come standard, this one has the optional 77 00:02:55.840 --> 00:02:59.730 command gauge plus an optional Garmin GPS moving map. 78 00:02:59.730 --> 00:03:01.360 Stainless steel switches to the side are 79 00:03:01.360 --> 00:03:04.150 a unique feature, all have circuit breakers 80 00:03:04.150 --> 00:03:05.170 right next to them. 81 00:03:05.170 --> 00:03:08.300 Stereo remote with an mp3 jack just below. 82 00:03:08.300 --> 00:03:10.260 Stainless steel drink holders, we have the 83 00:03:10.260 --> 00:03:12.213 upgraded wheel with the steering nob mounted 84 00:03:12.213 --> 00:03:14.163 to a tilt base. 85 00:03:15.200 --> 00:03:17.115 This higher top also includes a standard 86 00:03:17.115 --> 00:03:20.760 electronics box held open with tension hinges. 87 00:03:20.760 --> 00:03:23.010 Two cubbies to either side of the compass, 88 00:03:23.010 --> 00:03:26.370 both have drains in the corners, the one to port 89 00:03:26.370 --> 00:03:28.570 has a socket for plugging in your cellphone 90 00:03:28.570 --> 00:03:29.670 or your spotlight. 91 00:03:29.670 --> 00:03:31.980 The curved windshield offers no distortion at the sides 92 00:03:31.980 --> 00:03:33.698 and it's mounted into an aluminum frame 93 00:03:33.698 --> 00:03:36.400 mounted to the top of the console, when the windshield's 94 00:03:36.400 --> 00:03:38.640 mounted to the side of the console you get dirt collecting 95 00:03:38.640 --> 00:03:40.580 in the sides, plus the screw heads will create 96 00:03:40.580 --> 00:03:42.395 a place to crack. 97 00:03:42.395 --> 00:03:45.440 No sense going from a canvas t top to a hard top, 98 00:03:45.440 --> 00:03:48.280 Robalo goes directly to the hard top with it's option, 99 00:03:48.280 --> 00:03:51.930 this one gel-coated underneath, two LED lights in the back, 100 00:03:51.930 --> 00:03:53.170 one in the front. 101 00:03:53.170 --> 00:03:54.950 The rails have the optional powder coating and they're 102 00:03:54.950 --> 00:03:57.520 elongated to grab easier and down below they integrate 103 00:03:57.520 --> 00:03:59.400 directly into the console. 104 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:01.720 The leaning post has 36 ounce vinyl with a ten ounce 105 00:04:01.720 --> 00:04:04.180 top coat for protection, it also comes with a standard 106 00:04:04.180 --> 00:04:06.360 backrest, integrated grab handle across the back 107 00:04:06.360 --> 00:04:08.960 of the leaning post, and below a 54 quart cooler 108 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:12.290 held in place by brackets and bungees to the sides. 109 00:04:12.290 --> 00:04:15.350 Engine choices are a 200-250 horsepower or 110 00:04:15.350 --> 00:04:17.274 this 300 horsepower engine. 111 00:04:17.274 --> 00:04:19.050 Notice the raw water wash down inside 112 00:04:19.050 --> 00:04:20.260 the engine well. 113 00:04:20.260 --> 00:04:21.860 With full fuel and two people on board, 114 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:25.099 line:15% we had an estimated test weight of 4,370 pounds, 115 00:04:25.099 --> 00:04:27.750 we tested with the max horsepower on board, 116 00:04:27.750 --> 00:04:30.900 in this case the Yamaha 300 xca force stroke, 117 00:04:30.900 --> 00:04:34.680 line:15% turning a 19 by 15 and a quarter saltwater series two prop. 118 00:04:34.680 --> 00:04:37.580 line:15% The speed topped out at 50.1 miles per hour which produced 119 00:04:37.580 --> 00:04:40.460 line:15% a 26.4 gallon per hour fuel burned. 120 00:04:40.460 --> 00:04:45.170 line:15% Best economy was found at 3,000 rpm at 24.7 miles per hour. 121 00:04:45.170 --> 00:04:47.190 line:15% That speed reduced the fuel burn to seven gallons 122 00:04:47.190 --> 00:04:49.840 line:15% per hour giving us the range of 240 miles 123 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:52.290 line:15% and an endurance of nine hours and 42 minutes 124 00:04:52.290 --> 00:04:55.090 line:15% while still holding back a ten percent reserve of fuel. 125 00:04:55.090 --> 00:04:57.090 16 degree dead rise at the transit provides 126 00:04:57.090 --> 00:04:58.980 a good balance between shallow draft 127 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:00.446 and offshore performance. 128 00:05:00.446 --> 00:05:03.009 We also have the extended v planed that our tests show 129 00:05:03.009 --> 00:05:05.240 provide not only quicker times to plane 130 00:05:05.240 --> 00:05:07.840 but better stability, notice how as I walk back and forth 131 00:05:07.840 --> 00:05:09.773 the boat stays on a level plane. 132 00:05:10.980 --> 00:05:13.570 Sadly, as can be seen here, we didn't get to test 133 00:05:13.570 --> 00:05:16.150 the sea handling conditions of the 246 but we have 134 00:05:16.150 --> 00:05:18.270 no reason to doubt that she's as impressive as her 135 00:05:18.270 --> 00:05:21.130 smaller sister, the 206, which we did test 136 00:05:21.130 --> 00:05:22.410 in rough conditions. 137 00:05:22.410 --> 00:05:24.620 The bow has a narrow entry and a wide flare, 138 00:05:24.620 --> 00:05:26.943 that coupled with the 30 inch height to the rub rail 139 00:05:26.943 --> 00:05:29.100 gives us a nice dry ride. 140 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:31.210 She leans ten degrees into the turns, and if I 141 00:05:31.210 --> 00:05:32.540 worked her hard enough I could get her to 142 00:05:32.540 --> 00:05:35.100 shine walk but normal operations showed her carving 143 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:38.690 smoothly through the turn with no hint of falling off. 144 00:05:38.690 --> 00:05:40.630 The sea star hydraulic steering was a little tight 145 00:05:40.630 --> 00:05:43.420 which doesn't lend itself to cranking the wheel a lot. 146 00:05:43.420 --> 00:05:45.442 And ergonomics were excellent as she was comfortable 147 00:05:45.442 --> 00:05:48.010 to operate while either standing or sitting. 148 00:05:48.010 --> 00:05:49.910 So clearly a lot of thought went into the features 149 00:05:49.910 --> 00:05:53.070 and performance of the 246 Cayman, but she also excels 150 00:05:53.070 --> 00:05:54.959 at the little details, and at the end of the day 151 00:05:54.959 --> 00:05:56.820 those are what make the difference. 152 00:05:56.820 --> 00:05:59.370 From boattest.com, I'm Captain Steve, we'll see you 153 00:05:59.370 --> 00:06:00.223 on the water. 154 00:06:02.850 --> 00:06:06.018 New for 2018 is the sky deck model that includes 155 00:06:06.018 --> 00:06:09.320 this new tower and a reinforced deck, where most 156 00:06:09.320 --> 00:06:11.220 other manufacturers would be letting you stand 157 00:06:11.220 --> 00:06:13.930 on the console, here we have an elevated platform 158 00:06:13.930 --> 00:06:16.200 line:15% that goes from what would be three feet six inches 159 00:06:16.200 --> 00:06:18.080 line:15% up to six feet seven inches. 160 00:06:18.080 --> 00:06:20.550 And it's feature packed, let's take a look. 161 00:06:20.550 --> 00:06:23.350 There are ladders to both sides leading up to 162 00:06:24.208 --> 00:06:27.360 gates to both sides, and notice there are tension hinges 163 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:29.950 so it doesn't slam down on you it needs to be 164 00:06:29.950 --> 00:06:32.896 pulled down into position and locks automatically. 165 00:06:32.896 --> 00:06:35.470 Look at this we have a double wide helm seat, 166 00:06:35.470 --> 00:06:39.213 lift it up and it becomes a flip up bolster. 167 00:06:40.236 --> 00:06:43.500 A lift and lock latch leads us to storage 168 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:46.450 and notice the door is held open by tension hinges. 169 00:06:46.450 --> 00:06:48.300 line:15% At the panel the features include a Garmin 170 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:51.070 line:15% seven inch display, the digital engine control 171 00:06:51.070 --> 00:06:54.800 over to the right hand side, horn, station selector, 172 00:06:54.800 --> 00:06:57.650 engine start stop, a stainless steel steering wheel 173 00:06:57.650 --> 00:07:00.000 with a steering nob, this one's mounted 174 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:02.470 to a fixed base, but the next models will all 175 00:07:02.470 --> 00:07:04.430 comes with a tilt base standard. 176 00:07:04.430 --> 00:07:06.380 Two beverage holders are fully forward. 177 00:07:07.710 --> 00:07:11.040 Now behind us there's a nav light, four rocket launcher 178 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:13.410 style rod holders, there are four rod holders 179 00:07:13.410 --> 00:07:15.810 to the back of the hard top and notice that the deck is 180 00:07:15.810 --> 00:07:18.023 reinforced to accommodate outriggers.