WEBVTT - This file was automatically generated by VIMEO

0
00:00:08.095 --> 00:00:10.075
Hi, I'm Captain Tripp with Boat Test,

1
00:00:10.255 --> 00:00:13.075
and today we're aboard Robalo's R230.

2
00:00:13.265 --> 00:00:14.595
This is a comfortable center console

3
00:00:14.895 --> 00:00:17.155
for a day offshore fishing or a day with the family.

4
00:00:21.725 --> 00:00:23.955
Let's take a look around at the features on this boat.

5
00:00:24.655 --> 00:00:27.355
Coming to the bow, we're presented with seating.

6
00:00:27.655 --> 00:00:31.195
Robalo has chosen to use a silicone based upholstery,

7
00:00:31.205 --> 00:00:32.955
which is great for longevity.

8
00:00:32.985 --> 00:00:34.955
It's gonna stay looking good longer than your traditional

9
00:00:34.955 --> 00:00:37.275
vinyl and also, it's gonna be very resilient

10
00:00:37.275 --> 00:00:38.555
to mold and mildew.

11
00:00:41.025 --> 00:00:43.835
It's good to see removable forward facing backrest,

12
00:00:46.245 --> 00:00:47.355
great while underway,

13
00:00:48.135 --> 00:00:50.875
and another forward facing seat at the front of the console.

14
00:00:51.335 --> 00:00:53.675
Now underneath we have storage, which is accessed

15
00:00:53.935 --> 00:00:57.915
by paddle latches, which reveals a large fish box

16
00:00:58.545 --> 00:01:01.875
with their Yeti style, screw-in drain.

17
00:01:02.035 --> 00:01:04.795
I like this feature. I'm constantly impressed

18
00:01:04.975 --> 00:01:06.555
by the premium hardware that I see aboard

19
00:01:06.555 --> 00:01:07.555
these Robalo boats,

20
00:01:07.575 --> 00:01:10.275
and the R230 is no different, things like our full

21
00:01:10.275 --> 00:01:12.115
stainless strutt and our tension hinges.

22
00:01:13.335 --> 00:01:14.675
One of the advantages that I really like about

23
00:01:14.875 --> 00:01:17.755
that paddle is instead of fiddling underneath your cushion

24
00:01:17.815 --> 00:01:20.675
to get to your latch and wearing out your snaps,

25
00:01:20.865 --> 00:01:23.195
just a simple lift of the paddle and you're in your hatch.

26
00:01:23.975 --> 00:01:25.915
And while we're seated at the bow, we're surrounded

27
00:01:25.915 --> 00:01:29.075
by sturdy grab rails, cushion back rest, JL

28
00:01:29.075 --> 00:01:30.715
audio speakers and cup holders.

29
00:01:32.545 --> 00:01:34.875
There's a deep storage locker, perfect place 

30
00:01:34.875 --> 00:01:35.995
for trolling motor batteries.

31
00:01:39.095 --> 00:01:42.035
One design element that I like seeing on all these Robalos is

32
00:01:42.035 --> 00:01:43.875
the forward entry head into the console.

33
00:01:44.505 --> 00:01:46.115
This gives you a lot more space

34
00:01:46.455 --> 00:01:48.395
to enter versus a small narrow door

35
00:01:48.455 --> 00:01:49.555
on the side of the console.

36
00:01:50.455 --> 00:01:53.035
And inside, we find an optional head,

37
00:01:53.835 --> 00:01:57.035
a stainless steel port light, as well as an overhead light.

38
00:01:57.695 --> 00:01:59.355
And take a look all the way forward.

39
00:01:59.905 --> 00:02:02.275
Note that there are holders for Danforth style anchor

40
00:02:02.335 --> 00:02:04.275
and keepers to make sure it stays in place.

41
00:02:04.835 --> 00:02:06.915
I recommend the largest Danforth anchor that will fit.

42
00:02:07.575 --> 00:02:09.195
If you anchor often like I do,

43
00:02:09.755 --> 00:02:12.275
consider having your dealer install a pop-up anchor cleat

44
00:02:12.275 --> 00:02:14.555
center line on the bow, forward of the hatch.

45
00:02:15.295 --> 00:02:18.315
Moving to stern, we find another stainless steel pop-up

46
00:02:18.325 --> 00:02:21.235
cleat, a rod holder and that brings us to the helm.

47
00:02:21.425 --> 00:02:24.235
They've given us a tempered glass curved windshield.

48
00:02:24.985 --> 00:02:27.235
It's not plastic, it's not gonna fade on you,

49
00:02:27.385 --> 00:02:28.675
it's gonna stay looking pristine.

50
00:02:28.975 --> 00:02:30.595
And also a center line compass

51
00:02:31.055 --> 00:02:33.315
and two accessory trays with drain holes.

52
00:02:34.095 --> 00:02:35.275
The center of our dashboard,

53
00:02:35.375 --> 00:02:37.755
we have our Yamaha command link screen as well

54
00:02:37.755 --> 00:02:39.835
as a 12 inch Simrad display,

55
00:02:40.255 --> 00:02:42.595
and both of these are flush mounted on their acrylic

56
00:02:42.595 --> 00:02:44.595
surface. Port and starboard,

57
00:02:45.015 --> 00:02:48.275
we have our stainless steel backlit switches as well

58
00:02:48.275 --> 00:02:51.795
as the corresponding fuse. Below, our control

59
00:02:51.795 --> 00:02:55.275
to our Clarion head unit, USB, wireless cell phone charger,

60
00:02:55.695 --> 00:02:59.485
as well as a 12 volt outlet, two cup holders,

61
00:02:59.825 --> 00:03:03.325
one either side of our sturdy adjustable stainless steel

62
00:03:03.335 --> 00:03:06.405
wheel, small glove box to port,

63
00:03:08.105 --> 00:03:09.125
and motor controls

64
00:03:09.265 --> 00:03:13.045
on our starboard side. At the helm, our seating, we find more

65
00:03:13.105 --> 00:03:15.965
of our premium upholstery as well as flip up armrests

66
00:03:16.265 --> 00:03:17.725
and two bolsters.

67
00:03:18.395 --> 00:03:21.125
They've given us two different footrest positions as well

68
00:03:21.305 --> 00:03:23.885
as a color match for Robalo branded anti-fatigue, mat.

69
00:03:24.765 --> 00:03:25.925
Overhead, substantial

70
00:03:26.145 --> 00:03:28.565
and seamless integration of our T top support,

71
00:03:29.145 --> 00:03:32.285
and I always enjoy seeing the oversized T top for

72
00:03:32.285 --> 00:03:33.765
that extra bit of shade on those hot days.

73
00:03:34.315 --> 00:03:35.485
Note that the underside

74
00:03:35.485 --> 00:03:38.485
of this top has a dark blue gel coat, which I recommend

75
00:03:38.485 --> 00:03:40.685
to keep the glare down on the dash and windshield.

76
00:03:42.305 --> 00:03:44.925
We also have a e-box overhead,

77
00:03:48.105 --> 00:03:50.925
as well as spreader lights, and four rod holders.

78
00:03:51.945 --> 00:03:54.605
At the back of our leaning posts, there are four rod holders

79
00:03:54.945 --> 00:03:58.085
and down below, we have our custom Robalo branded cooler

80
00:03:58.435 --> 00:04:01.685
with these nice latches to keep it in place while underway.

81
00:04:02.185 --> 00:04:03.525
It seems like I'm always having trouble

82
00:04:03.635 --> 00:04:06.125
with my cooler just drifting back throughout the day.

83
00:04:06.235 --> 00:04:09.245
It's good to have it stay in place. When it comes time

84
00:04:09.245 --> 00:04:12.285
to reel in that big catch, you have padded bolsters here on

85
00:04:12.285 --> 00:04:14.925
the side and your tow rails when you're reeling

86
00:04:15.025 --> 00:04:17.285
or if you're leaning over trying to get a gaff in.

87
00:04:17.915 --> 00:04:19.885
Also, rod holder over top the gunwale

88
00:04:19.985 --> 00:04:22.005
and more rod storage below.

89
00:04:24.135 --> 00:04:26.525
Continuing around, we come to our live well,

90
00:04:26.855 --> 00:04:28.565
which is lighted and also insulated.

91
00:04:28.565 --> 00:04:30.685
That's gonna help keep your bait alive on those hot days.

92
00:04:32.195 --> 00:04:33.645
Once you're done reeling in that big one,

93
00:04:33.705 --> 00:04:35.325
you got 'em in the fish box in the bow.

94
00:04:35.715 --> 00:04:38.005
It's time to convert this to lounge mode.

95
00:04:38.825 --> 00:04:41.565
Simple flip down and you're ready.

96
00:04:42.455 --> 00:04:44.925
Inevitably it's gonna come time to do some maintenance,

97
00:04:45.025 --> 00:04:46.325
but Robalo has thought of that

98
00:04:46.325 --> 00:04:48.885
and made it easy on you. Whether it's yourself doing the

99
00:04:48.885 --> 00:04:50.845
maintenance or you're taking it to a mechanic,

100
00:04:51.355 --> 00:04:54.325
they have easy access underneath this rear seat.

101
00:04:55.195 --> 00:04:58.725
With access like this to your batteries, bilge pumps, fuel

102
00:04:58.725 --> 00:05:00.325
water separators, it just makes

103
00:05:00.355 --> 00:05:02.005
maintenance much less of a hassle.

104
00:05:02.635 --> 00:05:05.565
Note that the manual fuel pump primer bulb is easy at hand

105
00:05:05.705 --> 00:05:07.005
and there's a sump in the bilge.

106
00:05:07.405 --> 00:05:10.725
I particularly like this as it helps keep your bilge clean.

107
00:05:11.435 --> 00:05:14.525
Also note the high water float switch alarm at left,

108
00:05:14.865 --> 00:05:16.605
and with the battery's right below the hatch,

109
00:05:16.675 --> 00:05:18.005
they're easy to change out.

110
00:05:19.025 --> 00:05:20.685
As we make our way to the swim platform,

111
00:05:21.185 --> 00:05:24.565
we have our security door, which can be secured in order

112
00:05:24.565 --> 00:05:26.485
to keep pets or children aboard, but

113
00:05:26.685 --> 00:05:28.245
whenever it is in the stowed position,

114
00:05:28.875 --> 00:05:30.765
it's recessed actually into the side there

115
00:05:30.765 --> 00:05:32.485
so it's not taking up any additional space.

116
00:05:34.955 --> 00:05:37.645
Robalo has conveniently hidden the battery

117
00:05:37.665 --> 00:05:39.245
switch and your breakers.

118
00:05:39.675 --> 00:05:41.845
This is a convenient and out of the way place

119
00:05:41.845 --> 00:05:43.325
because this is the most times where you're coming on

120
00:05:43.325 --> 00:05:45.925
and off the boat. When you're ready to rinse off,

121
00:05:46.185 --> 00:05:48.805
we have a freshwater shower, conveniently located.

122
00:05:51.425 --> 00:05:52.565
Back here on the transom,

123
00:05:52.755 --> 00:05:55.845
Robalo has hung a 250 Yamaha Show.

124
00:05:56.635 --> 00:06:01.165
It's even got the blue metal flake in there. You know what?

125
00:06:01.435 --> 00:06:02.605
This motor excites me.

126
00:06:02.655 --> 00:06:04.365
Let's gun it away and see how she performs.

127
00:06:06.305 --> 00:06:10.405
The Robalo R230 stretches to an overall length of 23 feet,

128
00:06:10.665 --> 00:06:12.165
an 8 foot 6 inch beam,

129
00:06:12.225 --> 00:06:15.485
and 19 inches of draft with a motor trimmed up

130
00:06:15.745 --> 00:06:18.405
and an empty weight coming in at 4,700 pounds.

131
00:06:19.905 --> 00:06:22.325
During our test with two of us on board

132
00:06:22.325 --> 00:06:25.325
and the fuel tank half full, the estimated weight was

133
00:06:25.325 --> 00:06:28.005
around 5,894 pounds.

134
00:06:29.785 --> 00:06:33.045
The boat's heart is a Yamaha 250, which when pushed

135
00:06:33.045 --> 00:06:35.725
to its limit, hit 5,800 RPM

136
00:06:35.865 --> 00:06:39.005
and propelled the boat to a swift 46 miles per hour.

137
00:06:39.425 --> 00:06:41.685
For those seeking the sweet spot in cruising,

138
00:06:41.915 --> 00:06:46.325
it's at 3,500 RPM, clocking in at 26.8 miles per hour,

139
00:06:46.425 --> 00:06:49.805
giving an efficiency of 1.4 miles per gallon.

140
00:06:50.315 --> 00:06:54.045
This means you can venture up to 130 statute miles,

141
00:06:54.195 --> 00:06:57.405
leaving a 10% reserve of its 90 gallon tank.

142
00:07:00.345 --> 00:07:01.605
As for its acceleration,

143
00:07:01.985 --> 00:07:04.925
it gets up on plane in a brisk 4.6 seconds,

144
00:07:05.355 --> 00:07:07.925
hits 20 mile per hour in 5.5 seconds

145
00:07:08.225 --> 00:07:11.765
and 30 mile per hour in just 8.5 seconds.

146
00:07:14.235 --> 00:07:17.045
Robalo has a build and price functionality on its website,

147
00:07:17.265 --> 00:07:19.085
so here are my thoughts on some of the options.

148
00:07:20.565 --> 00:07:22.405
I believe in keeping the cold cranking

149
00:07:22.405 --> 00:07:23.685
and house battery fully charged

150
00:07:23.705 --> 00:07:24.925
and ready to go at all times,

151
00:07:25.305 --> 00:07:27.325
and this battery charger will do that

152
00:07:27.325 --> 00:07:30.245
by diverting unused amps to the battery that needs them.

153
00:07:30.755 --> 00:07:32.645
It's cheap insurance. When it comes

154
00:07:32.645 --> 00:07:36.325
to choosing which Simrad display, the basic difference is

155
00:07:36.325 --> 00:07:39.045
that one is 9 inch and the more expensive one is 12 inch.

156
00:07:39.115 --> 00:07:40.965
Otherwise, they're pretty much the same.

157
00:07:42.065 --> 00:07:43.965
All boats should have an anchor with chain

158
00:07:43.965 --> 00:07:46.085
and line appropriate for the boat's area of use.

159
00:07:46.465 --> 00:07:47.885
For those planning on beaching,

160
00:07:48.265 --> 00:07:49.565
two anchors should be considered.

161
00:07:49.975 --> 00:07:53.245
Other options allow buyers to rig the boat for family use

162
00:07:53.245 --> 00:07:54.925
of cruising, entertaining and sunning.

163
00:07:55.315 --> 00:07:57.525
They give a boat a lot more utility at a

164
00:07:57.525 --> 00:07:58.725
fairly low upcharge.

165
00:07:59.545 --> 00:08:02.805
The Robalo R230 comes standard with a tandem-axle trailer

166
00:08:03.185 --> 00:08:04.965
and I like the optional spare tire.

167
00:08:06.705 --> 00:08:08.285
That's our full features walkthrough

168
00:08:08.345 --> 00:08:11.085
and performance evaluation of Robalo's R230.

169
00:08:11.465 --> 00:08:12.805
I'm Captain Tripp with Boat Test

170
00:08:13.025 --> 00:08:14.765
and remember, life's better on a boat.