Quality of Robalo boats?

weekender · 07-11-2006, 09:02 AM

I've been looking at ditching the sled in favor of a glass boat. Something that would work well for the tidewater/bay fisheries as well as over the bar on good to mild conditions. I've mostly been looking at whalers and wellcrafts, but recently came across a Robalo that I liked the setup on. While I'm not planning on running out and buying one, I'm wondering if anyone has any first hand experience with them. How is their quality, ride, handling, ect. Do they use top quality components or cheaper alternatives to get the overall price down?

StickFish · 07-11-2006, 09:17 AM

Check with Robalo Bill I'd think he's got one. Seen one at the ranch once and looked at them when my dealer recommended them (he doesn't carry them, but recommended them anyway)

Arima17Ryan · 07-11-2006, 10:26 AM

Seems like the boats you mentioned could venture out in worse condtions than "good to mild". But let's not go there... :grin:

I knew a guy who had a Robalo CC. He really liked it, but I didn't have a chance to try it first hand. I really liked the look of some of the Robalo walkarounds I saw when we were looking for a boat earlier this year. Maybe you should ask your question here:

http://www.robaloboatowners.com/forum/

Carpe piscis · 07-11-2006, 11:02 AM

I worked at Disney World in Orlando, Florida as a Lifeguard while working my way through undergrad. While working there, I worked on the lakes in a safety capacity. Disney had a contract with Robalo to supply boats that we used to do this job. I have literally thousands of hours logged in Robalo boats. I was in my early 20's at the time and I can tell you that we beat the snot out of these boats and they held up amazingly well.
Hope this helps,
CP

Tower Todd · 07-11-2006, 12:31 PM

The Robalo R265 Walkaround is the same hull as the Wahoo 2600 Sportfish. Other models may also be Wahoo hulls. Wahoo was purchased by Robalo around 96-97'. I have a 1991 Wahoo 2600 Sportfish and can tell you that they are well built. Looking at the Robalo website the R265 is a spitting image as far as the hull goes. It is a good riding hull, very dry except for slow speeds quartering into the wind (What boat is dry in that position?) and very sea worthy. These boats are often compared to Boston Whalers. Mine is for sale in the for sale section as my new ride has arrived. As soon as I can figure out posting a picture I'll put it up.
Tower Todd

tomictime · 07-11-2006, 07:34 PM

Roballo pre-AMF near legendary...I lost track after the AMF debacle..As I recall Brunswick owns them now and they seem to be doing better. Been a long while since I have run one.

JD

Robalo Bill · 07-11-2006, 08:38 PM

Your welcome to look at mine if you like. I have checked out 21-26 footers in other brands...that do not have half the storage or fishability. The boat is heavy and has a true blue water hull,,,,it cuts thru the chop. Lighter hulls have a better fuel economy but ride and speed suffer...you pound instead of cut.

Bill

weekender · 07-12-2006, 06:07 AM

Thanks for all the info everyone. Sounds like one that could be added to the short list.

Thanks again. See you on the water.