Robalo Boats: Are They Worth The Hype?

Robalo is a bluewater boat manufacturer that specializes in offshore fishing vessels. The company was founded in 1969 by Jud Gavrvin and Bill Laurie and has been in business for over 50 years. They are known for their quality products and have a range of center console, dual console, and walk-around boats. Their boats are well-built, with a strong and heavy construction that contributes to a smoother ride. They are also equipped with top-quality materials that can withstand tough conditions, making them long-lasting. However, there have been some complaints about workmanship, finishing, and quality control issues, as well as a lack of customer support. Overall, Robalo boats are considered to be good, reliable, and durable, offering a smooth and stable ride, especially in offshore conditions.

Robalo boats are good for fishing

Robalo boats are heavier than most similarly priced vessels, but this is due to their heavier construction, which contributes to a smoother ride. They are also known for their unsinkable hulls, hand-laid transoms, stainless steel fittings, and all-teak trim. The company takes great pride in the design and construction of its boats, ensuring that all components and features are reliable.

The Robalo R272, for example, is a serious centre console fishing machine. It has a sturdy hard top, beefy stainless-steel hinges, and a custom-built door that sits flush against the inwale. The console is integrated with the windshield, T-top supports, and hard top, adding structural strength and slick looks. The R230 is another fishing machine, with a large centre bench seat and flanking jump seats that fold down to create an elevated aft casting deck.

Robalo boats are also known for their durability. The hulls are heavy and strong, making them slower than lighter brands but providing a very smooth and stable ride in offshore conditions. Kevlar reinforces some areas of the hull, lessening the impact of waves. The construction methods and materials are robust, and it is rare to find any complaints about the fibreglass. The company also offers a lifetime limited hull warranty.

Robalo boats are a good choice for fishing, offering a range of features and benefits that make them well-suited for offshore and inshore fishing.

Robalo's customer support

Robalo boats are generally well-regarded by customers, with praise for their construction, fit, and finish. The boats are heavier than most similarly priced vessels, resulting in a smoother ride. The company has a good reputation for the quality of its hulls, with Kevlar reinforcement in some areas to lessen the impact of waves. The boats are also known for their durability, with many older Robalo boats still in use today.

However, Robalo has received some criticism for its customer support. There is no telephone number listed on the Robalo website, and customers have reported a lack of support from the company when dealing with warranty issues. It is recommended that prospective buyers do their research and choose a dealer carefully. Robalo has a wide network of dealers, including in the United States, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The company has also faced some issues with workmanship, finishing, and quality control. There have been complaints about poor finishing, especially in compartments that are "out of sight." In addition, there have been reports of rubbish being left in the bilge, indicating a lack of attention to detail and proper inspections before handing over the boat to the owner.

Despite these issues, Robalo remains a popular choice for recreational fishing boats, with a strong reputation for the durability and quality of their hulls. The company has been in business since 1969 and has established itself as a competitive brand in the industry.

Robalo's boats are well-built

Robalo boats are well-built, with a strong and consistent reputation for durability and quality construction. The company was founded in 1969 with the launch of a 19-foot saltwater fishing boat, one of the first to feature an 'unsinkable' hull. Since then, Robalo has built a solid reputation for its boats' sturdy construction and smooth ride.

Robalo boats are heavier than similarly priced vessels, but this is a result of their heavier construction, which contributes to a smoother ride. The hulls are reinforced with Kevlar, which lessens the impact of waves and makes for an even smoother journey. The boats are also praised for their solid build, with some owners comparing the quality to much more expensive brands.

Robalo's attention to detail is also noteworthy. Owners have praised the finish of their boats, with one owner commenting on the "nice moulded-in design with no sharp edges". The company pays attention to the design's details, functionality, and ergonomics, making things as easy and user-friendly as possible.

Robalo boats are also known for their innovative design, with features such as the Hydro Lift design, which produces quick plane times, thrifty fuel efficiency, and a soft ride. The boats also have high freeboard, so anglers and other passengers feel secure even in deep cockpits.

The company's use of quality materials is another factor that contributes to the boats' well-built nature. Robalo uses top-quality materials, both inside and out, that can withstand tough conditions, providing long-lasting vessels. The lamination schedule for all models includes a minimum of seven layers of 100% hand-laid fibreglass, cured in the mould for over a week. This results in heavy hulls that provide a stable ride, with Robalo owners often referring to their boats as "tanks".

Overall, Robalo boats are well-built, with a strong focus on quality, durability, and attention to detail. The company's innovative design and use of superior materials result in vessels that offer a smooth and stable ride, making them a popular choice for anglers and recreational boaters alike.

Robalo's boats are durable

Robalo boats are well-known for their durability. The company has been building boats since 1969, and their products are considered to be of superior construction, fit, and finish.

The durability of Robalo boats is evident in their solidly built hulls, which are often compared to those of much more expensive brands. The hulls are heavy due to their strong build, which contributes to a smoother and more stable ride, especially in offshore conditions. This heavy construction also makes the boats slower than lighter brands.

Kevlar reinforces some areas of the hull, which helps to lessen the impact of waves and further smooths the ride. The construction methods and materials used by Robalo are robust, and it is rare to find any complaints about the fiberglass on boating forums.

Robalo boats are very durable for their price point, and their quality has been consistent throughout the company's history, even with several acquisitions and different owners. The company's attention to detail, functionality, and ergonomics in their designs also contributes to the durability of their boats.

While there have been some quality control issues and manufacturing defects reported, these appear to be exceptions rather than the rule, and Robalo boats are considered to be reliable and good overall.

Robalo's boats are competitively priced

Robalo boats are competitively priced, with a range of options to suit different budgets and requirements. Their boats are divided into four lines: Center Console, Explorer Center Console, Dual Console, and Bay Boats. The Center Console line has the widest price range, with the 18’4″ R180 starting at $38,295 and the 36.5-foot R360 starting at $403,395. The Explorer line, which is similar to the Center Console line but with a more family-fun-oriented deck layout, starts at $48,195 for the 20’7″ R202EX and goes up to $90,395 for the 24-foot R242EX.

The Dual Console line offers a range of features and starts at $50,195 for the 20’7″ R207, with the 31-foot R317 starting at $221,695. The Bay Boats line, which includes the popular Cayman series, has five models ranging from $44,795 for the 20.5-foot 206 Cayman to $114,795 for the 26.5-foot 266 Cayman.

In addition to these base prices, Robalo offers a range of optional extras, such as an electric marine toilet, a dining table, and upgraded electronics packages, which can increase the overall cost. However, even with these additions, Robalo boats are still competitively priced when compared to other boats in their class.

The resale value of Robalo boats is also worth considering when discussing pricing. While depreciation will depend on the type of boat, engine, equipment, and usage, Robalo boats tend to hold their value relatively well. For example, a 2015 R200 center console model depreciated by only 9% in five years, which is very favorable.

Overall, Robalo boats offer a good combination of features, performance, and durability at a competitive price point, making them a popular choice for anglers and boating enthusiasts.

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