Robalo 246 Cayman (2019-)

Brief Summary

Powered with an Evinrude 300 E-TEC G2, the Robalo 246 Cayman had a WOT speed of 46.5 mph and a range of nearly 250 statute miles at 3500 rpm and 28.3 mph. Fly-by-wire digital controls provide effortless shift and throttle, and the E-TEC G2 steering feedback can also be adjusted to fine-tune the driver’s control at the helm. Removable back rests and pads turn the bow casting platform into twin chaise-type seating.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	24' 6" / 7.47 m
Beam	9' 2.74 m
Dry Weight	3700 lbs 1678 kg
Tested Weight	4,480 lbs 2032.09 kg
Draft	12" 0.3 m
Draft Down	28.00" .71 m
Deadrise/Transom	16 degrees
Bridge Clearance	5' 10" 1.78 m
Fuel Capacity	75 gal 284 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Length on Trailer	30' 6" 9.30 m
Height on Trailer	11' 4" 3.45 m
Total Weight	4,480 lbs 2032.09 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	4.6 sec.
0 to 30	7.2 sec.
Ratio	1.85:1
Props	20" x 15 1/8" - 4 blade
Load	2 persons, 4/5 load, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	74 deg., wind: 7 mph; seas: Med Chop

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	1 x 300-hp Yamaha Four Stroke 300XCA 4.2L V6 Digital 1 x 200-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F200XB 25" Mechanical 1 x 200-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F200XCA 25" Digital 1 x 250-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F250XCA 25" 4.2L V6 Digital 1 x 250-hp Yamaha Four Stroke VF250XA VMAX 25" Mechanical

Warranty

Hull Warranty Extended	10

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Overview

The flagship of the Robalo Cayman fleet, this 246 is a bay boat that can double as the family cruiser. Not focused on any specific mission, the versatile interior design has a combination of features that would allow you to fish on Saturday and take the crew to the sandbar on Sunday, with very little compromise.

Power

The max horsepower rating for the transom is 300. Our test boat was powered with an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp outboard which has a gear ratio of 1.85:1 and was propped with a 20” (50.8 cm) diameter by 15 1/8” (38.42 cm) pitch 4-blade stainless steel propeller. This setup provided an average top speed of 46.5 mph.

Fine Tuning Your Control

Fly-by-wire digital controls provided effortless shift and throttle. The E-TEC G2 steering feedback can also be adjusted to fine-tune the driver’s control at the helm. Precise RPM adjustments can be made by pressing the + and – button on the top of the throttle binnacle housing.

Major Features

• • Aluminum Panel with SS Toggle Switches & Circuit Breakers

 

• • Pre-Wired for Bow-Mounted Trolling Motor

 

• • Forward Opening Front Console Door

 

• • Stern Seating that Folds into Casting Deck

 

• • 3 Plumbed Livewells (Insulated)

 

• • Bow Seating with Backrest

 

• • Locking Rod Storage

 

• • Four-Step Telescoping Boarding Ladder

Overall Appeal

The interior layout of the Robalo 246 Cayman blends the functions of a fishing boat with comforts for the entire family.

At the Controls

The steering on the console is just to starboard of center. This helm location puts the observer to the port side of the console and centers the driver between the steering wheel and the throttle control. A layout may look a little different when compared to other center console boats, but the ergonomics of it work.

The dash of the center console can accept flush-mounted electronics, flanked by dual switch panels for functions control. The top of the console has molded-in storage trays and a footrest at the base adds to seated comfort.This optional leaner has padded cushions that allow the captain and passenger to stand or sit independently.For longer runs, rotate the bolster down to form a comfortable seat.With the bolster in the up position, you have additional support for standing securely while underway.

Sun Shade

A molded fiberglass hard top adds to the look of the boat and will not weather like canvas. The T-top support legs are powder-coated aluminum.

The underside of the fiberglass hard top matches the hull color. It has built-in LED lighting and is ready to accept aftermarket outriggers.For structural integrity, the T-top incorporates a truss design which also eliminates the need for angle leg supports that can block your view from the helm.

Features for the Crew

The bow of this boat is focused on the family. The U-Shaped settee is the perfect picnic spot with the optional bow table. For easy cruising, the port and starboard lounges have forward-facing backrests.

The bow table stows in the center console when not in use for picnic lunches.The bow table can also fill in the U-shaped seating. Add the optional cushions and this area becomes a sun lounge.Removable backrest allows passengers to face forward on twin lounges.Coaming pads wrap around the bow to create a backrest for the seating area.A front seat on the center console door allows for additional forward-facing seating.

Storage and Convenience

Below the bow seating hatches are compartments for rod storage and gear. The bow table pedestals are stowed in the smaller center compartment.

The bow seating hatches are held open by stainless steel gas shocks. Hatches that open forward make it easier to stow gear while the boat is on the trailer.The entire face of the center console swings open to access additional storage and a head. Note the removable bow table has its own dedicated rack.Built into the starboard aft corner is a hatch that opens to a telescoping, four-step swim ladder.Just to the side of the swim ladder is a fitting for a fresh water washdown, perfect to wash off as you climb back into the boat. The fill is located right next to the fitting.

Cockpit Seating

A double-wide seat is built into the stern casting deck. When not in use, it folds out of the way to give you more casting area.

The center location of the stern seating is wide enough for two passengers and tends to be a drier place to sit when compared to side jump seats.In the folded position, the stern seat adds to the total area of the casting deck.Speakers for the sound system are flush-mounted in the face of the stern deck. To either side of the cockpit sole are stainless steel drains.

Fishing Features

The stern casting deck has twin 30-gallon (113.56 L) insulated livewells, each with a dedicated pump. Either one can double as a fish box. A hatch on the port corner opens to a well for bucket storage. With the outboard in the down position, a filler piece covers a portion of the splash well, giving you more room on the casting deck.Each stern livewell is insulated with a side overflow drain and built-in LED lighting.Having dedicated bucket storage is a great place to keep a castnet, cleaning supplies, or a chum bag.The gunnel rod holders also double as a cup holder.Under-gunnel horizontal rod storage is on both the port and starboard sides.Five rocket-launcher style rod holders on the back of the leaner seat keep your outfits organized and at the ready.The multi-level bow casting deck gives you the height to throw a castnet or step down for more security when conditions are rough.Built into the bow casting deck is an anchor locker and an additional 20-gallon (75.71 L) insulated livewell.

Additional Performance Numbers

Our test boat was equipped with an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp outboard and had an estimated test weight of 4,480 lbs. (2,032 kg). We hit a top speed of 40.4 knots (46.5 mph) at 5500 rpm. Best cruise was 24.6 knots (28.3 mph) with a fuel burn of 3.6 mpg. The boat was up on plane in less than 5 seconds and hit 17.4 knots (20 mph) in 4.6 seconds and reached 26.1 knots (30 mph) in 7.2 seconds.

Ride and Handling

The hull has a stable ride and was comfortable navigating the medium chop of the bay. The bow flare kept us dry. Turns were smooth and the boat didn’t need a lot of attention to engine trim from planning off to high speed runs.

Price as tested

$00,000 with Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp outboard

Available Options

• • Colored Hull

 

• • Dual Battery Charger

 

• • Underwater Lights

 

• • Console Head

 

• • Bow Filler Cushion

 

• • Bow Table

 

• • Leaning Post with 5 Rod Holders and Flip Up Cushions

 

• • Fresh Water Shower

 

• • Hydraulic Jack Plate

 

• • Bow Fishing Chair

 

• • Electronics

 

• • Sound System

 

• • Trim Tabs

Observations

As bay boats go, this hull is on the larger side. This adds comfort to access the far reaches of the backcountry, and that’s what flats boats are for. The high sheer and excess hull flare will also allow better offshore capabilities.Added comforts like bow and stern seating, plus a head in the console, means the family can enjoy the boat just as much as the serious fisherman.