Robalo R242

Boat Test #1589

The Robalo R242 offers owners the best of both worlds—a serious sport fishing boat that doubles as a family boat. It’s easy to see why the R242 is one of the best sellers in the Robalo center console lineup, which spans 16 to 29 feet.

Anglers will love the fish boxes and live well capacity on the R242 including the two 30-gallon fish boxes on the bow and a 27-gallon fish box aft. The leaning post had dual flip-up bolsters with four rod holders and a 72-cooler. Additional tackle stowage is available on the port side in a removable box and there is room to stow up to 10 rods on the boat.

Day boaters will love the creature comforts including a private head in front of the console with a portable toilet. The bow comes standard with a removable cushion, great for the kids to lay out while at a favorite sandbar. A transom door provides access to the water and a three-step ladder is a nice assist climbing back into the boat. The crew can then clean off using the freshwater shower.

Other standard features buyers will appreciate are a premium stereo system with a Sirius-capable tuner and four speakers, and LED navigation and cockpit lights. (Robalo offers blue LED underwater lights as an option.) Operators will also like the SeaStar tilt hydraulic helm and the digital gauges that come standard on the single-engine model.

Robalo doesn’t include the top as standard but buyers can opt for a canvas top (starting at $1,380) or a hard top (starting at $5,770).

The running surface uses Robalo’s HydroLift hull design, which the builder says delivers stability and performance. Robalo includes as standard trim tabs with an indicator, allowing the operator to smooth out the boat in rough water conditions. The R242 is offered with Yamaha outboards in single or twin engines with a maximum horsepower of 350.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA 24’
Beam 8’9”
Weight w/ engine 4,800 lbs.
Max. Power 350 hp
Price w/Yamaha F300UCA $73,995

For more information:  www.robalo.com