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.