WEBVTT
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(swoosh sound)
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The following opinions are solely those
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of BoatTEST.com and it's test captain.
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Hi, I'm Captain Steve Gilchrist for BoatTEST.com.
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Today, we're going to be taking a look
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at the features and performance of the Robalo R247.
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The R247 is the largest boat in Robalo's Dual Console line.
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She was designed for fishing, diving, and cruising.
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And she can even be used as a tow boat for water sports.
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Robalo offers the R247 with a single or twin outboards.
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Our test boat had the
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single Yamaha 300 horsepower 4.2 liter in V6.
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With a full tank of gas and two people onboard,
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our test boat weight an estimated 6,310 pounds.
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Top speed was 43.1 miles per hour at 5,800 RPM,
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and she burned 25.9 gallons per hour,
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giving us a range of 202 statute miles.
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Best cruise came at 3,500 RPM
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where she ran 23 miles per hour
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and burned 9.4 gallons per hour,
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that gave us a range of 298 statute miles.
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In acceleration tests, the R247 planed in 4.7 seconds.
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Then passed through 20 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds,
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and 30 miles per hour in 10.1 seconds.
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Seas were calm on our test day,
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so we ran through our own wake
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to see how the R247 handled bumpy water.
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She sliced right through the wake without flinching.
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With 22 degrees of deadrise at the transom,
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and Robalo's hydrolift multiangle bottom design,
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this boat should feel right at home offshore.
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Because the R247 was designed primarily for fishing,
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let's take a look at how she's equipped for that task.
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In the gunnels, we found four rod holders.
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And at deck level, there is a stainless steel toe rail
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to help anglers keep their balance in rough water.
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To keep gear secure, there is
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a dedicated tackle box storage, rod racks in the gunnels,
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and lockable space for rods in the deck compartment.
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The insole locker has enough space
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to store rods and wakeboards.
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It measured nine feet six inches long
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and 30 inches wide and 20 inches deep.
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Once the big ones are caught,
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there's a fish box in the transom.
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Plus additional space
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in three insulated, self-draining lockers in the bow.
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Notice their all covered in non-skid
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to serve double-duty as a casting platform.
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An optional insert over the footwell
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in the bow creates a large casting deck.
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For water sports enthusiasts, our test boat
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had the optional hard top,
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with the integrated tow point and tower speakers.
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A swim step to starboard has a three step reboarding ladder.
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For cruising or entertaining, a removable table mounts
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to the forward footwell.
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For sunbathers, there's a cushion that installs
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between the seats to turn the bow area
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into a giant sun pad.
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Our test boat had the optional entertainment center
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that includes a 12 volt outlet, stainless grab handles,
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a stainless sink and cupholders, and a corian countertop.
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Below, we found a 25 quart removable cooler.
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To port, we found the enclosed head compartment.
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Our test boat had the comfort package
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that includes teak and holly decking,
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a cabinet with solid countertop,
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and a stainless sink.
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We would like to see Robalo add an opening port light
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for ventilation and light.
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Now let's check out the R247's seating.
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To add to her versatility, Robalo created a companion seat
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that can face forward, to the side, or aft.
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The foldout transom bench adds
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to the boat seating capacity,
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and opens up fishing space when it's tucked away.
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In the bow, the seating wraps around
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to accommodate three comfortably.
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The rail and arm rests on the cap rail
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will keep passengers secure as well.
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Now on to operations.
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The helm on the Robalo R247 has plenty
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of space for electronics.
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The boat comes standard
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with Lenco trim tabs and position indicators,
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plus Yamaha digital instruments.
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Here we have the upgraded command link plus color screen
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providing the instrumentation.
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Robalo included a dark colored stitched eyebrow
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over the dash.
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The instrument panel was made of aluminum
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and the R247 has a tilt wheel connected
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to Seastar hydraulic steering.
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And the steering knob was a welcome addition.
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Robalo made sure there was lockable storage under the helm.
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Owners like to see easy access to critical systems,
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and Robalo provides this with the transom door
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that gives novice mechanics space to work.
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At the bow, the anchor locker is flanked
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by stainless steel pull-up cleats.
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Our test boat had the optional windless package.
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With the R247, Robalo has created a do everything boat
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that should appeal to people who prefer outboard power.
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It's back by a 10 year hull warranty.
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And with the single engine,
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operating costs are within reach of a young family.
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And that concludes our look at the Robalo R247.
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I'm Captain Steve Gilchrist for BoatTEST.com.