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Robalo 246 Cayman (2019-)

1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2



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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.

Key Features

  • Premium White Gel Coat on Hull and Deck
  • Stainless Steel Three Blade Prop
  • Shipping Cover
  • 12V DC Receptacle on Dash
  • 12V Wiring Buss
  • Aluminum Panel with Weatherproof SS Toggle Switches and Circuit Breakers
  • Aluminum Framed Acrylic Windshield With SS Grab Rail
  • Aft Double-Wide Seat with Folding Backrests and Custom Stainless Steel Hardware (Converts to
  • a Large Casting Platform)
  • Anchor Rope and Chain Locker in Bow
  • Brass High Speed Livewell Through Hull

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG STAT. MILE NM dBa
600 2.4 2.1 0.3 9.6 8.3 648 563.5 N/A
1000 5 4.3 0.6 8.3 7.2 557 484.2 N/A
1500 6.4 5.5 1.5 4.4 3.8 296 257 N/A
2000 8.7 7.5 3 2.9 2.5 195 169.2 N/A
2500 12 10.4 5 2.4 2.1 161 140.3 N/A
3000 19.3 16.7 5.8 3.3 2.9 224 194.8 N/A
3500 28.3 24.6 7.8 3.6 3.2 246 214 N/A
4000 32.5 28.3 9.8 3.3 2.9 225 195.7 N/A
4500 34.3 29.8 12.5 2.7 2.4 185 160.8 N/A
5000 41.5 36.1 14.5 2.9 2.5 193 168 N/A
5500 46.5 40.4 24 1.9 1.7 131 113.7 N/A
robalo_246cayman_chart_2017.jpg

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

Captain's Report

Robalo 246 Cayman runport

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

Robalo 246 Cayman max horsepower

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

Robalo 246 Cayman digital controls

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

Robalo 246 Cayman overhead interior layout

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman center console dash

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman helmseat optional leaner

This optional leaner has padded cushions that allow the captain and passenger to stand or sit independently.

Robalo 246 Cayman comfortable sitting

For longer runs, rotate the bolster down to form a comfortable seat.

Robalo 246 Cayman standing up position

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman hardtop underside

The underside of the fiberglass hard top matches the hull color. It has built-in LED lighting and is ready to accept aftermarket outriggers.

Robalo 246 Cayman t-top truss design

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman stowing bow table

The bow table stows in the center console when not in use for picnic lunches.

Robalo 246 Cayman sun lounge

The bow table can also fill in the U-shaped seating. Add the optional cushions and this area becomes a sun lounge.

Robalo 246 Cayman removable backrest

Removable backrest allows passengers to face forward on twin lounges.

Robalo 246 Cayman coaming pad seating area

Coaming pads wrap around the bow to create a backrest for the seating area.

Robalo 246 Cayman center console front seat

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman bow hatches

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman center console storage

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman swim ladder

Built into the starboard aft corner is a hatch that opens to a telescoping, four-step swim ladder.

Robalo 246 Cayman freshwater washdown

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman stern seating

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman stern seating folded

In the folded position, the stern seat adds to the total area of the casting deck.

Robalo 246 Cayman sound system

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

Robalo 246 Cayman stern casting

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman insulated livewell

Each stern livewell is insulated with a side overflow drain and built-in LED lighting.

Robalo 246 Cayman bucket storage

Having dedicated bucket storage is a great place to keep a castnet, cleaning supplies, or a chum bag.

Robalo 246 Cayman gunnel rod holders

The gunnel rod holders also double as a cup holder.

Robalo 246 Cayman undergunnel rod storage

Under-gunnel horizontal rod storage is on both the port and starboard sides.

Robalo 246 Cayman leaner seat rod holders

Five rocket-launcher style rod holders on the back of the leaner seat keep your outfits organized and at the ready.

Robalo 246 Cayman bow casting deck

The multi-level bow casting deck gives you the height to throw a castnet or step down for more security when conditions are rough.

Robalo 246 Cayman anchor locker

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

Robalo 246 Cayman runstar

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.

Robalo 246 Cayman bowrun

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.