WEBVTT - This file was automatically generated by VIMEO

0
00:00:07.935 --> 00:00:09.795
Hi, I'm Captain Tripp with Boat Test

1
00:00:10.015 --> 00:00:12.795
and we're aboard Robalo's 246 Cayman.

2
00:00:13.525 --> 00:00:15.055
They tell us this is their most popular

3
00:00:15.325 --> 00:00:16.615
boat in their whole lineup.

4
00:00:16.845 --> 00:00:18.055
There's a lot of features

5
00:00:18.055 --> 00:00:19.695
that Robalo has packed into this boat

6
00:00:19.835 --> 00:00:22.535
and I'm excited to show you why this boat is so popular.

7
00:00:33.715 --> 00:00:34.895
He gets up to speed nicely.

8
00:00:36.315 --> 00:00:39.495
Bow drops down on plane really quick.

9
00:00:42.435 --> 00:00:46.815
Ration test. The time to plane was 4.8 seconds, zero

10
00:00:46.835 --> 00:00:47.855
to 20 mile per hour.

11
00:00:48.125 --> 00:00:49.695
Took 5.7 seconds

12
00:00:49.995 --> 00:00:53.695
and zero to 30 miles per hour was achieved in 8.3 seconds.

13
00:00:57.405 --> 00:00:58.455
Very responsive.

14
00:01:01.875 --> 00:01:02.415
Oh yeah,

15
00:01:07.445 --> 00:01:08.135
this is fun.

16
00:01:08.895 --> 00:01:12.895
I like it. She's just dancing on the water

17
00:01:15.595 --> 00:01:17.695
and we'll do a little broad turn here.

18
00:01:18.145 --> 00:01:19.735
Throw us a wake in there with it

19
00:01:27.245 --> 00:01:27.465
man.

20
00:01:27.895 --> 00:01:31.065
He's holding. As he becomes wakes on the side nice

21
00:01:31.125 --> 00:01:34.305
and easy, open her

22
00:01:34.305 --> 00:01:38.995
up like a dream.

23
00:01:43.375 --> 00:01:46.785
This 246 is powered by Yamaha 300 V six

24
00:01:47.055 --> 00:01:48.385
with an optional jack plate.

25
00:01:49.725 --> 00:01:51.585
Her prop geometry was a 15

26
00:01:51.605 --> 00:01:56.065
and a quarter by 18 by three saltwater series two prop.

27
00:01:57.165 --> 00:02:00.385
The Robalo 246 Cayman boasts an overall length

28
00:02:00.405 --> 00:02:02.105
of 24 foot six inches.

29
00:02:02.425 --> 00:02:03.905
A beam measuring nine foot

30
00:02:04.285 --> 00:02:06.825
and a draft of 16 inches with a motor raised.

31
00:02:08.125 --> 00:02:12.145
Its empty weight stands at 5,100 pounds on our test stay

32
00:02:12.215 --> 00:02:14.945
with half a tank of fuel and two people on board.

33
00:02:15.205 --> 00:02:18.745
Our estimated test weight was 6,302 pounds,

34
00:02:20.295 --> 00:02:23.025
powered by a single Yamaha 300 V six motor

35
00:02:23.055 --> 00:02:26.305
that peaked out at 5,900 RPM.

36
00:02:26.605 --> 00:02:30.345
We achieved a top speed of 48.5 miles per hour.

37
00:02:30.805 --> 00:02:34.345
The optimal cruising speed was found at 3,500 RPM

38
00:02:34.985 --> 00:02:37.185
registering 28.2 miles per hour.

39
00:02:37.535 --> 00:02:41.465
This speed, the fuel consumption was 8.6 gallons per hour

40
00:02:41.575 --> 00:02:44.785
translating to 3.28 miles per gallon.

41
00:02:45.095 --> 00:02:49.145
This gives us a range of 265 statute miles while factoring

42
00:02:49.145 --> 00:02:51.745
in a 10% fuel reserve from the boat's 90

43
00:02:51.745 --> 00:02:52.905
gallon fuel capacity.

44
00:02:55.445 --> 00:02:57.345
We had minimal chop on our testing day,

45
00:02:57.405 --> 00:02:59.780
but we did experience some larger boat wakes

46
00:02:59.780 --> 00:03:00.980
that they Cayman handled with ease.

47
00:03:01.285 --> 00:03:02.845
I found the boat steady while on her way,

48
00:03:03.015 --> 00:03:04.485
responsive when she needs to be

49
00:03:04.485 --> 00:03:06.165
and experienced no prop ventilation.

50
00:03:06.515 --> 00:03:08.445
Knowing that this is a shallow draft vessel

51
00:03:08.445 --> 00:03:11.205
with less dead rise, she doesn't bank as hard in turns

52
00:03:11.345 --> 00:03:13.205
and in an aggressive higher speed turn.

53
00:03:13.515 --> 00:03:15.285
Full control is easily maintained

54
00:03:15.345 --> 00:03:17.685
and there's just a bit of slide that's to be expected

55
00:03:17.685 --> 00:03:19.605
with such a shallow draft hull design.

56
00:03:20.165 --> 00:03:22.085
Although the Cayman is engineered to be a bay boat,

57
00:03:22.405 --> 00:03:24.765
I wouldn't hesitate to take her offshore on the right days.

58
00:03:26.065 --> 00:03:28.325
Now let's take a look at the details of this boat.

59
00:03:29.175 --> 00:03:30.925
Let's talk about the hem From here.

60
00:03:30.925 --> 00:03:33.805
You have great visibility through your flat tempered glass

61
00:03:34.465 --> 00:03:36.485
and an integrated T top,

62
00:03:36.485 --> 00:03:37.845
which is integrated into the console

63
00:03:38.105 --> 00:03:39.325
so it's not protruding into the

64
00:03:39.325 --> 00:03:40.645
aisles where you're trying to pass by.

65
00:03:41.265 --> 00:03:43.925
The T top is obviously over-engineered for a bay boat,

66
00:03:44.065 --> 00:03:45.245
but that's what I like to see

67
00:03:45.625 --> 00:03:49.285
and we have an oversized top on it that provides more shade.

68
00:03:49.325 --> 00:03:51.605
A lot of times in a bay boat you're always fighting over

69
00:03:51.715 --> 00:03:54.645
that little bit of shade in the evening or in the mornings.

70
00:03:54.755 --> 00:03:56.765
It's great to be able to share it with everyone aboard.

71
00:03:59.155 --> 00:04:00.725
Note that there's an open space

72
00:04:00.815 --> 00:04:02.365
above the windshield for a breeze.

73
00:04:03.755 --> 00:04:05.725
Four of our rod holders are located on the back

74
00:04:05.725 --> 00:04:07.485
of the T top along with spreader lights.

75
00:04:07.785 --> 00:04:10.325
We also have an e-box overhead in the T top.

76
00:04:13.755 --> 00:04:17.165
Have a nice sturdy stainless steel adjustable wheel

77
00:04:17.745 --> 00:04:21.125
and our 12 inch Simrad screen that is custom flush mounted

78
00:04:22.545 --> 00:04:24.205
In both port and starboard.

79
00:04:24.265 --> 00:04:26.805
We find our backlit stainless steel switches

80
00:04:26.995 --> 00:04:28.765
with the appropriate fuse nearby.

81
00:04:29.225 --> 00:04:32.445
We also have controls for our trim tabs, 12 volt outlet,

82
00:04:32.845 --> 00:04:36.205
a wireless phone charger, dual USBs

83
00:04:36.505 --> 00:04:38.805
and our Clarion head unit for our stereo system,

84
00:04:39.265 --> 00:04:42.845
two stainless cup holders, glove box keys,

85
00:04:43.185 --> 00:04:45.845
and our Yamaha engine screen along with our engine controls.

86
00:04:46.705 --> 00:04:48.085
Now our Robalo has chosen

87
00:04:48.085 --> 00:04:51.325
to use a silicone based material for their upholstery.

88
00:04:51.515 --> 00:04:53.405
This stuff resists mold and mildew

89
00:04:53.465 --> 00:04:55.285
and it's gonna be looking new longer

90
00:04:55.475 --> 00:04:56.605
than your traditional vinyl.

91
00:04:57.075 --> 00:04:59.845
They also give us sturdy flip-up armrests

92
00:04:59.985 --> 00:05:02.405
and a side cushion, so if you're passing by

93
00:05:02.505 --> 00:05:03.725
or just leaning against this

94
00:05:03.725 --> 00:05:05.005
here, you're nice and comfortable.

95
00:05:05.595 --> 00:05:09.565
They also give us flip-up bolsters on each seat as well as

96
00:05:10.085 --> 00:05:11.725
a molded-in footrest

97
00:05:11.725 --> 00:05:14.525
with two different positions depending on your comfort level

98
00:05:15.385 --> 00:05:18.085
and a Robalo branded anti-fatigue mat.

99
00:05:18.935 --> 00:05:20.605
Along the backrest of our leaning posts,

100
00:05:20.665 --> 00:05:24.605
we have four rod holders Under our helm seat.

101
00:05:24.945 --> 00:05:26.685
Not only has Robalo given us a custom cooler,

102
00:05:26.865 --> 00:05:28.405
but they've solved a common problem.

103
00:05:28.995 --> 00:05:31.885
They have latches here that secure the cooler, so

104
00:05:31.885 --> 00:05:33.765
as you're underway it's not drifting back

105
00:05:33.905 --> 00:05:34.925
and out from under the seat.

106
00:05:35.425 --> 00:05:36.805
Man, I've needed that so many times.

107
00:05:37.435 --> 00:05:39.325
Looking at our cap rails, I'm happy

108
00:05:39.325 --> 00:05:40.445
to see how wide these are.

109
00:05:40.495 --> 00:05:42.125
These are 10 inches which allows you

110
00:05:42.125 --> 00:05:43.645
to actually walk all the way around the boat

111
00:05:43.985 --> 00:05:48.005
and we also find Robalo's black caulk, which is just a sign

112
00:05:48.005 --> 00:05:49.205
of excellent craftsmanship

113
00:05:49.985 --> 00:05:52.005
and then nice padded bolsters

114
00:05:52.035 --> 00:05:54.765
with their silicone upholstery, which has many advantages.

115
00:05:55.155 --> 00:05:58.165
Then underneath we have two rod holders as well as a plug

116
00:05:58.185 --> 00:06:01.405
for a battery charger and I do like to see the padding here

117
00:06:01.545 --> 00:06:03.365
for your reel so they're not scuffing up your boat.

118
00:06:05.925 --> 00:06:08.325
Probably my favorite thing about the boat aside from its

119
00:06:08.325 --> 00:06:11.885
overall look is the access to the bilge.

120
00:06:13.995 --> 00:06:15.845
It's great to see such ease of access

121
00:06:16.105 --> 00:06:17.445
to all of our important components.

122
00:06:17.475 --> 00:06:19.365
When it comes to maintenance, there's a lot

123
00:06:19.365 --> 00:06:20.805
to like in this mechanical compartment.

124
00:06:21.215 --> 00:06:23.245
First note that the battery switch is handy

125
00:06:23.265 --> 00:06:26.005
and has dual crossover for the two standard batteries,

126
00:06:26.015 --> 00:06:28.845
which are conveniently located to make removing as easy

127
00:06:28.865 --> 00:06:31.125
as possible and they're securely strapped down.

128
00:06:31.505 --> 00:06:34.605
Second, all the electrical wires are sheathed in

129
00:06:34.615 --> 00:06:35.845
tubes to prevent chafing.

130
00:06:36.035 --> 00:06:38.685
Finally, my arm is long enough to reach in

131
00:06:38.685 --> 00:06:40.885
and turn off both the through hole ball valves.

132
00:06:42.105 --> 00:06:44.005
As I've come to expect throughout the boat,

133
00:06:44.105 --> 00:06:45.125
we have quality components

134
00:06:45.185 --> 00:06:48.045
and that shows in this full stainless gas

135
00:06:48.045 --> 00:06:49.405
support with a safety latch.

136
00:06:52.255 --> 00:06:55.245
Right now we're in casting deck mode with plenty of room,

137
00:06:55.255 --> 00:06:56.845
maybe even for two anglers up here,

138
00:06:57.225 --> 00:07:00.285
but if you want the best ride in the house in rough seas

139
00:07:00.385 --> 00:07:02.005
and you have plenty of seating for two adults

140
00:07:02.225 --> 00:07:04.845
or three children coming from the stern,

141
00:07:05.025 --> 00:07:07.485
the first thing you're gonna notice is we have two

142
00:07:07.485 --> 00:07:10.685
compartments, one on each side for a five gallon bucket.

143
00:07:10.935 --> 00:07:12.845
Great place just for your nasty things

144
00:07:12.845 --> 00:07:13.845
or maybe your cast net.

145
00:07:13.905 --> 00:07:16.965
And one thing I really like about the Robalo line is their use

146
00:07:16.965 --> 00:07:19.325
of tension hinges on almost all of their hatches.

147
00:07:19.385 --> 00:07:22.205
And these are great because wherever you open your hatch to,

148
00:07:22.555 --> 00:07:24.805
it's gonna hold it in place so it's not banging around,

149
00:07:24.805 --> 00:07:27.165
slamming around, and you're not worried about a gas

150
00:07:27.165 --> 00:07:28.565
strut breaking on you.

151
00:07:29.835 --> 00:07:31.605
Just a really great premium feature.

152
00:07:32.305 --> 00:07:34.405
We also find rod holders, port

153
00:07:34.425 --> 00:07:37.685
and starboard as well as stainless steel pop-up cleats

154
00:07:37.905 --> 00:07:39.085
and coming a little farther forward,

155
00:07:39.505 --> 00:07:43.285
we find stainless cup holders, both port and starboard.

156
00:07:43.385 --> 00:07:46.165
We also have these large oversized live wells, again,

157
00:07:46.165 --> 00:07:47.205
with the tension hinges

158
00:07:47.585 --> 00:07:50.445
and I like that they have put a molded divider in here,

159
00:07:50.665 --> 00:07:52.925
so if you have different baits you can keep them

160
00:07:53.105 --> 00:07:54.565
so they're not arguing with each other.

161
00:07:55.725 --> 00:07:57.165
I also like the fact knowing

162
00:07:57.235 --> 00:07:58.965
that the live wells are both insulated

163
00:07:58.985 --> 00:08:00.925
to keep your beta alive longer on those hot days,

164
00:08:03.675 --> 00:08:05.205
Something that Robalo has done

165
00:08:05.205 --> 00:08:07.565
with their bay boats is the forward seating.

166
00:08:07.565 --> 00:08:09.085
They actually recessed it down.

167
00:08:09.725 --> 00:08:11.445
Normally you just find cushion snapped on top

168
00:08:11.665 --> 00:08:15.925
of the casting platform, so now if you're riding along,

169
00:08:15.935 --> 00:08:17.245
maybe you hit a wave real quick.

170
00:08:17.345 --> 00:08:19.525
The kids aren't just gonna slip over the side,

171
00:08:19.795 --> 00:08:20.845
it's gonna keep 'em on board,

172
00:08:21.065 --> 00:08:22.725
and we have padding that's curved

173
00:08:22.815 --> 00:08:24.125
along the edges of the seating.

174
00:08:25.275 --> 00:08:27.485
Another Thing that Robalo does in the fit

175
00:08:27.485 --> 00:08:29.045
and finish category would be they

176
00:08:29.045 --> 00:08:30.245
finish underside of their hatches.

177
00:08:32.565 --> 00:08:35.485
I appreciate seeing so many rod holders aboard this boat,

178
00:08:35.485 --> 00:08:37.525
especially nice and protected like they are here.

179
00:08:38.875 --> 00:08:41.445
Then we have, of course our paddle latches with Robalo,

180
00:08:41.535 --> 00:08:43.165
which I, I do enjoy

181
00:08:43.315 --> 00:08:45.485
because I could just go up underneath the latch

182
00:08:45.585 --> 00:08:48.325
and lift up versus having to fumble underneath my cushion,

183
00:08:48.755 --> 00:08:50.925
mess up my snaps to get to my turn latch

184
00:08:52.145 --> 00:08:54.605
and having these removable back rests make this a great

185
00:08:54.605 --> 00:08:55.645
place to lounge maybe

186
00:08:55.645 --> 00:08:57.445
during the day when you're cruising in smooth water,

187
00:08:57.625 --> 00:08:58.685
you also have cup holders

188
00:08:59.025 --> 00:09:01.085
and some of your JL audio custom speakers

189
00:09:03.225 --> 00:09:05.845
and something else that Robalo gives us is a removable

190
00:09:05.845 --> 00:09:07.005
table that can be placed here

191
00:09:10.315 --> 00:09:12.405
with our short leg in and our additional cushion.

192
00:09:12.515 --> 00:09:14.685
This converts to a large sun pad,

193
00:09:15.305 --> 00:09:18.005
but it can also be lowered down to the level of our hatches.

194
00:09:18.105 --> 00:09:19.365
We can remove our cushions

195
00:09:19.385 --> 00:09:22.285
and it creates a large extra casting deck

196
00:09:23.625 --> 00:09:26.285
and under our hatch here we find a live well

197
00:09:26.315 --> 00:09:27.365
with our tension hinges.

198
00:09:28.345 --> 00:09:31.285
Now sunk about this live well that Robalo does is we have

199
00:09:31.825 --> 00:09:33.325
our Yeti style plugs.

200
00:09:33.395 --> 00:09:35.765
This is a lot better in your traditional rubber

201
00:09:35.855 --> 00:09:37.005
plugs you're trying to get in there.

202
00:09:37.145 --> 00:09:38.165
It just never work, right?

203
00:09:38.395 --> 00:09:40.645
This, you know it's gonna be working when you screw it in.

204
00:09:42.395 --> 00:09:45.765
Just for that, we find our anchor locker as well

205
00:09:45.765 --> 00:09:47.605
as two eight inch bow cleats.

206
00:09:49.345 --> 00:09:51.805
Robalo managed to fit ahead under the console

207
00:09:52.065 --> 00:09:53.245
of this 24 foot boat

208
00:09:53.345 --> 00:09:54.885
and one of the ways they did is

209
00:09:54.885 --> 00:09:57.565
by incorporating this forward facing entryway.

210
00:09:58.995 --> 00:10:02.085
This approach is one we don't often see, but it makes entry

211
00:10:02.085 --> 00:10:03.485
and egress a lot easier than

212
00:10:03.485 --> 00:10:04.525
a door on the side of the console.

213
00:10:05.065 --> 00:10:06.565
Our test boat is set up for storage,

214
00:10:06.745 --> 00:10:08.525
but the is room for a portable toilet.

215
00:10:09.875 --> 00:10:12.685
Robalo is one of those manufacturers that allows you to build

216
00:10:12.745 --> 00:10:15.085
and price their boats right on their website.

217
00:10:15.625 --> 00:10:16.725
It could save you some money

218
00:10:16.785 --> 00:10:18.805
and make sure you get the experience you're looking for.

219
00:10:19.345 --> 00:10:21.405
For example, Robalo gives you a choice

220
00:10:21.465 --> 00:10:22.965
of eight haul gel coat colors.

221
00:10:24.665 --> 00:10:28.405
You have the choice of a 250 or 300 horsepower engine

222
00:10:28.545 --> 00:10:30.085
and hydraulic or digital steering,

223
00:10:30.425 --> 00:10:32.485
and having tested her with a 300 horsepower

224
00:10:32.485 --> 00:10:33.965
engine, we know what she'll do.

225
00:10:34.785 --> 00:10:35.805
You also have a choice

226
00:10:35.905 --> 00:10:38.565
of seven three tone upholstery color schemes.

227
00:10:38.795 --> 00:10:40.045
Pick your favorite at no charge.

228
00:10:40.625 --> 00:10:41.965
The T top is an option

229
00:10:41.985 --> 00:10:43.805
and as I mentioned, everyone should have one.

230
00:10:44.275 --> 00:10:46.245
This one is particularly well done

231
00:10:46.515 --> 00:10:49.365
with the integrated glass windshield powder-coated aluminum

232
00:10:49.445 --> 00:10:51.085
supports robust build.

233
00:10:51.605 --> 00:10:53.845
I think it's worth the money if you want

234
00:10:53.845 --> 00:10:55.325
to keep the glare down on your windshield.

235
00:10:55.885 --> 00:10:58.205
Consider one of the seven dark tones for the overhead

236
00:10:58.205 --> 00:11:00.125
of the T Top White is standard.

237
00:11:01.795 --> 00:11:04.565
Robalo will install an optional multifunctional display

238
00:11:04.585 --> 00:11:08.885
and the related wiring as well as sonar for just over $5,000

239
00:11:10.545 --> 00:11:12.205
If you want to have a stereo on your boat.

240
00:11:12.505 --> 00:11:15.165
My experience is don't even think about doing that yourself.

241
00:11:15.425 --> 00:11:18.805
The wire runs and connections are problematic on A DIY job

242
00:11:18.985 --> 00:11:22.125
and Robalo has worked with JL Audio to work out the best setup

243
00:11:22.265 --> 00:11:24.005
and placement for Excellent Audio

244
00:11:24.875 --> 00:11:27.205
Robalo will install a Minekota trolley motor for you

245
00:11:27.205 --> 00:11:28.205
for $4,000.

246
00:11:29.435 --> 00:11:32.205
Trim tabs are needed in most center consoles for balance

247
00:11:32.385 --> 00:11:33.405
and the price is right.

248
00:11:34.235 --> 00:11:36.685
Finally, the 246 Cayman comes standard

249
00:11:36.685 --> 00:11:37.805
with a tandem axle trailer.

250
00:11:38.145 --> 00:11:39.805
That's about it for our buyer's advice,

251
00:11:40.105 --> 00:11:42.685
but no matter what you decide, you'll have a boat

252
00:11:42.715 --> 00:11:43.965
with good bones under you.

253
00:11:44.985 --> 00:11:46.285
That's our features walkthrough

254
00:11:46.345 --> 00:11:49.565
and performance evaluation of Robalo's 246 Cayman.

255
00:11:49.825 --> 00:11:51.685
I'm Captain Tripp Smith with Boat Test

256
00:11:52.025 --> 00:11:54.045
and remember, life's better on a boat.