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The following opinions are solely those
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of BoatTEST.com and its test captain.
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Hi, Captain Steve for BoatTEST.com
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and today, we're gonna conduct a performance evaluation
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and features inspection
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of Robalo's newest center console model, the R230.
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There's a definite demand for center consoles
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between 22 and 24 feet,
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which leads us to this 23 foot, R230.
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With a 20 degree of variable deadrise,
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and Deep V hull design accommodates
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those deep-sea fishing enthusiasts,
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as well as offers a bit of high-end features.
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Let's dive right in and start with the performance.
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The Robalo R230 has a length overall of 23 feet,
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a beam of eight feet six inches and a draft of 31 inches.
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With an empty weight of 4,000 pounds,
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22% fuel and two people on board,
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we had an estimated test weight of 4,540 pounds.
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With a single Yamaha 250 V-Max engine run up to 6,000 RPM
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in light, choppy conditions,
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we reached a top speed of 52 miles per hour.
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Best economic cruise came in at 3,500 RPM
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and 32 miles per hour.
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At that speed, the 10.8 gallon power fuel burn translated
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into three miles per gallon
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and a range of 241 statute miles.
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All while still holding back a 10% reserve
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of the boat's 90 gallon total fuel capacity.
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If trolling, 600 RPM translated into four miles per hour
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with a fuel burn of 0.6 gallons per hour.
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For acceleration, we reached 20 miles per hour
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in six seconds, 30 in 8.9
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and 40 came and went in 12 seconds.
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She had the usual characteristics
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that we've come to find with Robalo.
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With smooth transmissions through the chop,
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and a relatively dry ride.
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Hard turn showed no chine walk
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or any adverse characteristics.
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And she had a solid feel to the helm.
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Now, let's take a look at her features,
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starting with this Aft casting platform.
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This back seating section really transforms the boat,
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and takes the stage, in our opinion.
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It easily converts to reveal a non-skid casting deck
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measuring eight feet six inches by two feet two inches
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with a depth of one foot five inches.
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And all seating is securely fastened down
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by high tension bungees.
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There's also a diamond non-skid finish
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for when the situation calls for a good grip.
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The starboard and port side can be individually
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flipped down to serve as points of entry and egress.
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Our test boat was outfitted with the Yamaha 250 V-Max.
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Supporting that single engine was a six foot nine inch
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by two foot swim platform
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with an engine well depth of 10 inches.
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The engine mounted to the six inch riser
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at the trailing edge.
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There are six inch cleats to either side and a swim ladder
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located on the starboard side beneath the hatch.
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Heading back into the cockpit area,
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we can't help but notice the optional fully-bonded
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fiberglass hardtop powder coated
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in a choice of black or white.
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Four rocket launchers hang off the aft edge,
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while LED deck lights sit in between.
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Just above, is an anchor light.
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The visibility was unrestricted all around,
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and the wind screen provided proper protection.
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A forward-facing LED deck light illuminates the bow area.
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The R230's helm layout proved to be clean and simple.
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There's a custom-stitched finish on the eyebrow,
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and controls were spaced out,
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such that we never felt cramped
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in searching for the controls.
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Front and center was the stainless steel
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SeaStar tilt hydraulic steering wheel with Brody Knob.
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And your controls were well outside of the 2 1/2 inch
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ABYC Minimum distance from the helm wheel,
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which took six full turns from lock to lock.
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There was a single nine inch Simrad MFD to port,
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and LED illuminated push button
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switches to starboard and port.
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Clarion auto control was located below the Simrad MFD.
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To center, is a custom mobile device holder.
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To port, is a lockable compartment,
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measuring eight inches by 4 1/4 inches.
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Directly overhead and to forward
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is another lockable storage space.
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The VHF unit is optional.
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A Ritchie compass sat in the center
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between the two non-skid tray spaces.
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The Naugahyde vinyl fixed bench helm seat
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was not only comfortable,
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but wasn't crammed against the helm unit.
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It measured three feet by one foot two inches,
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came up two feet two inches from the deck
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to the top of the bolster and provided comfort
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both from a standing, or seated position.
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The two tiers of non-skid foot shelving
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was a welcome addition.
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Located beneath the helm bench, is a 72 quart cooler.
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It's worth noting that all accumulated water
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flows through the floor drains,
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which lead directly overboard.
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The stern quarter of the aft bench houses
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the main battery switch
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along with breakers for the stereo, automatic bilge,
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overboard discharge, toilet, and DC main.
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Just aport is a 12 volt Mill extension cord connector.
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The six inch wide by two foot one inch high gunwale,
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were met with a tri-toned, ice-blue bolster
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with an overall width of 10 inches,
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three inches of which being for the bolster itself.
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There's a combo rod drink holder
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and a standard rod holder just forward of that.
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Beneath, there are horizontal rod holders
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along with a pad for some real protection.
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The same setup is to starboard.
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Continuing towards the bow and a modchips
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are six-inch pull-up cleat and the fuel fill.
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Making our way down, the 18-inch wide passageway
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and past one of the R230's four premium audio speakers,
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we reach the bow area.
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The layout is symmetrical.
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There are two premium speakers on either side
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with two slide-in back rests.
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Self-draining cup holders just aft and to the bottom.
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A table includes duel pedestals
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allowing conversion into a sun pad.
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The cushions are removable
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for conversion to a forward-casting deck,
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with one foot three inches of safety height
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from the seats to the top of the deck.
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To port and starboard
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the seating is outfitted with gas strut assisted hatches
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and they lift to reveal storage or baitwell space,
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and the compartments have rubber stoppers.
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The deck hatch reveals
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a one foot eight inch deep storage space below.
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Forward of the seating area
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there are two 6 1/2 inch pull-up cleats
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to either side of the anchor locker hatch.
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Inside, anchor keepers hold a Danforth anchor in place.
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The rogue stores below.
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Directly in front of the helm console,
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a forward-facing seat integrates into the bow seating area.
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And has grab rails at the base and a bit forward.
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A lockable starboard slide latch
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releases the large forward opening door
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to the head compartment
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that includes a convenient hanging rod.
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Inside, is an electric fresh water Dometic head.
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Just below the bow table hardware is fastened
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to the starboard side,
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the table stores to port.
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There is one port hole on the port side
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providing light and ventilation.
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As a whole, we found the new Robalo R230
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to be well thought out in terms of creature comforts
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and practical sport fishing applications.
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She's complete with a sizable forward opening head,
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deeply set versatile bow seating area
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and convertible aft seating.
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She even comes standard with a custom-built trailer.
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And that's my full features inspection
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and performance evaluation of the new R230 from Robalo.
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For BoatTEST.com, I'm Captain Steve.
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We'll see you on the water.
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(dramatic music)