One of Robalo’s favourite themes is, “You'll be hooked the first time you step onboard.”  It’s not just the beautiful aesthetics, a confident offshore hull, functional ergonomics, prime fittings, premium accessories, plus impressive horsepower. Robalo spells inspiring nautical confidence.

Robalo Boats are part of the American giant, Marine Products, which also manufactures the magnificent range of Chaparral sports boats in Nashville, Georgia. Both Robalo and Chaparral were first established in the 1960s, enjoying prolonged success from their enormous worldwide reputation. Robalo’s first boat was a 19’ centre console that was amongst the first to have an “unsinkable” hull. Some of their employees are second and third-generation tradesmen, and all take immense pride in their expertise.  Robalo have weathered the tide of difficult times by its commitment to construction quality, legendary ride and progress through innovation.

We escaped with a Robalo 242 centre console for a top-to-bottom tour of Port Phillip Bay. There were kingfish in the notorious “Rip” and secret whispers of some Southern Bluefin Tuna.  The rip is in the middle of Port Phillip Heads, a challenging entrance to the bay where the tide squeezes the flow from nearly 2000 square kilometres of water through a jagged and narrow entrance, meeting the formidable Antarctic swell of Bass Strait in a series of fast currents, unpredictable swells, pressure waves and whirlpools –not the sort of place for any incompetence.  The 242 was fitted with a pair of silent, fuel-efficient 200HP Honda four-stroke strokes providing guts and exhilarating acceleration at maximum rated horsepower.

The Test Boat

Robalo’s advanced Hydro Lift hull has been tried, tested, and proven. The R242 hull fills you with confidence with its 7.32 metre length overall, a considerable 2.67 metre beam (wide load rules apply), and a real wet, on-water weight of around 3100kg with a full belly of fuel and gear, but without passengers. The bulk translates into soft displacement, especially when teamed with a 22 22-degree variable deadrise design with a lovely entry to the composite fibreglass, foam-filled hull infused with Kevlar. She has a low weight distribution with wide reverse chines and full-length strakes, giving terrific lift and directional stability. When the throttles open up, the big Hondas sound out that high-performance V6 sweetness as they rocket the big hull over the 80km/h barrier. She has terrific grip and maneuverability, even in tight turns.

The Robalo R242’s seakeeping abilities will entice you to enjoy long sojourns to those distant fishing grounds and, more importantly, safely back home. You can travel offshore comfortably with excellent fuel efficiency at a pleasing and sensible 20 knots. At 3700 RPM and 38 LPH, this equates to around 300 NM range. The big chines and flared bow keep the nose high and dry with long offshore runs well within this boat's mantra.

They say game fishing is 95% boredom and 5% pure adrenaline. Hence, the R242 is a well-balanced and very stable platform, especially for those long hours live baiting or at trolling speeds. She’s got big, broad shoulders and a high waistline, creating terrific freeboard and a secure internal comb height.

Very Fishable Center Console

The internal fit and layout are terrific. She’s as much at home as an entertainer as a blood and guts sportsfisher. The transom allows plenty of room for the twin rig outboards and a small boarding platform on either side. The starboard side has a nifty extendable ladder and a small rear doorway that’s ideal for loading and boarding, but obviously far too small to boat a large pelagic. The convertible transom is a ripper, featuring a huge live bait tank across its width. An ingenious fold-out rear lounge makes excellent use of the padded combings, converting into a backrest. The inner transom hinges upwards, giving terrific access to the bilge, plumbing and electrical componentry, including the twin batteries.

French-Stitched Rear Lounge, Helm Seating and Upholstery

The R242 is beautifully trimmed with triple French-stitched premium upholstery throughout, including the thick padded combings that encircle the whole boat. The side walls have internal mouldings and include rod holders, rod storage, and toe rails for security when tucked in for a long fight on stand-up tackle.

Robalo have produced an ideal centre console with a fibreglass T-top. It is pre-rigged for outriggers, and features a 4 rod rocket launcher, LED lights, overhead radio box, a neat wrap-around windscreen and a well-proportioned dash with room for twin 12” multi-function displays. There are clear illuminated gauges and clearly marked toggle switches, Lenco trim tabs, comfortably placed dual binnacle controls, stainless tilt steering wheel, dual drink holders, glove box and a moulded footrest. The powder-coated alloy structure is neatly moulded into the fibreglass console, creating plenty of room for the walk-around sides and strongholds for the crew. The thickly padded dual-bolster seat unit also features an alloy frame, more rod holders, and a large esky underneath. I would like to see a flip-over backrest or similar seat option for soaking a bait at anchor, but that’s not cricket in the good ol’ US of A.

Getting a centre console past the purchase post can be challenging if there’s no enclosed head, so Robalo has come up with a ripper design. The entire front of the console hinges to the side, exposing a private toilet compartment. Large wet and dry tanks are under the floor, and big scuppers are to the rear for safety and easy cleaning. The bow converts from a lazy daybed to an elevated sportsfishing stage in seconds and has yet another bait tank and enclosed storage underneath.

The bow is rimmed with a recessed grab rail, and the deck hardware includes a Lewmar anchor winch with stainless bow fitting and pop-up cleats for secure mooring.  There’s even a freshwater shower in the transom to wash those sandy feet, keep the decks clean, or cool off on that glorious summer day.

The Wrap

It is little wonder that Robalo has enjoyed such worldwide success with its magnificent presentations. They combine years of experience with premium construction devotion and personal pride in their innovative presentations, ensuring your new R242 will go the distance, bring you home safely, and please the crowd.

Specifications

Length Overall: 7.32M

Beam: 2.67M

Displacement (Dry with Engines): 2277 kg

Fuel Capacity: 568 Litres

Water Capacity: 51 Litres

Power:  2 X Honda BF200 4-Stroke

 

Contact: Robalo Australia, Williamstown, VIC 3016

 

Ready to Set Sail? 

Find your dream boat online at Only Boats! For more like the Robalo 242, check out our current selection centre console boats for sale.

We have a wide range of fantastic deals on boats for sale, including used boats and new boats. You can also check out our used boat buying guide.

Smooth sailing starts with the right boat. We’re here to help you find it!  




Found your perfect purchase? Let’s make financing just as easy!

Work with Australia’s best-reviewed finance broker for a great deal and a stress-free experience. With 3,000+ glowing Google reviews, you can trust you're in good hands! See what our happy customers say in Credit One reviews, or jump right in and crunch the numbers with our handy loan repayment calculator. Your ideal financing solution is just a few clicks away!