Robalo R230 (2020-)

Brief Summary

The 2020 Robalo R230 is a brand new design of an old classic. Robalo last made an R230 in 2005. The new R230 is a 23' (7.01 m) center console with a deep-v hull, powered by Yamaha 200-hp outboard. Our test boat had the optional Yamaha 250-hp VMAX outboard – the largest outboard recommended for this boat. A reason for the reintroduction of this model is that her size is deemed a sweetspot in the market for both new entry-level buyers and boaters looking to move up.

Key Features

• 12 person or 1,725 pounds capacity
• Yamaha outboard
• Enclosed head with forward entry door
• Deep-v hull

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	23' (7.01 m)
Beam	8' 6" (2.59 m)
Dry Weight	4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Tested Weight	4,540 lbs. (2,059 kg)
Draft Up	19" (48 cm)
Draft Down	31" (79 cm)
Deadrise/Transom	20-deg.
Max Headroom	5' (48 cm)
Bridge Clearance	6' 9" (2.0 m)
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	90 gal. (341 L)
Total Weight	4,540 lbs. (2,059 kg)

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	8.9 sec.
Props	Stainless
Load	2 persons, 1/5 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 250-hp Yamaha VMAX
Std. Power	1 x 250-hp Yamaha engine

Captain's Report Learn More
Watch Our Video

By Capt. Peter d’Anjou

Mission

Robalo builds seven center console models from 16' to 30’ (4.88 m to 9.14 m) and they felt that they had a hole in their lineup at the 23' (7.01 m) size, even though they build a 22' (6.71 m) and a 24' (7.32 m).

The new boat is expected to retain the fishability features Robalo puts in its center consoles with a touch of hybrid comfort. The ride is due to a new hull design and seating has been updated, all for a low introductory price.

Distinguishing Features

• High-belt design for deeper cockpit depth and higher freeboards

Major Features

• Fore and Aft casting decks
• Large Forward-facing head entry
• Sea Star hydraulic steering
• Self-draining cockpit
• 15-gallon (56.78 L) livewell

Design

Construction

The Robalo R230 has a Kevlar-reinforced hull, encapsulated reserve flotation, and stainless steel chrome-plated hardware. Friction hinges are used for most storage compartments.

Comparison

We compared the Robalo R230 with three other 23' (7.01 m) center consoles on the market and weight wise it falls right in the middle of the competition.

Boat Inspection

Helm

The center console on our test boat came with an optional hardtop over the helm, the boat comes standard without one. A Bimini option is also available. The hardtop or Bimini option increase bridge clearance from 6’9” (2.06 m) to 8’6” (2.59). 

A three-spoke tilt wheel is standard and it takes six full turns of the wheel to go from lock to lock. Sea Star tilt hydraulic steering is standard.

Stern

Cockpit

The aft cockpit has room for anglers, swimmers or seated guests.

Swim Platform

A swim platform spans nearly the entire beam of the R230 and could be one way to board the boat easily from a dock.

 

 

 

Side Decks

Head

The Dometic Porta Pottie is standard. An optional freshwater electronic flush (porcelain) toilet with an 8-gallon (30.28 L) holding tank and overboard discharge is available in conjunction with the freshwater shower option.  Dedicated storage for the optional bow table is to the right of the toilet; the pedestal legs for the table are stowed opposite on the starboard side.

The head compartment has a light and there is a port on the bulkhead above the head for access behind the helm. A vent in the door and an opening portlight above the table provides ventilation. The portlight was restricted in how far it opened - we’d like to see it open fully.

Bow

The Robalo R230's bow seating consists of a 24” (60.96 cm) wide console seat which uses the head door as a base and seatback support. There is a wrap-around bench seat in the bow. The bench seating has a 6” (15.24 cm) bolster for a backrest and can be converted into lounges with the addition of removable backrests.

Anchor

Pull-up 6” (15.24 cm) cleats on the deck next to the anchor locker are used to secure the anchor. There is no bow roller, windlass, nor any chocks- just a simple anchor system. A custom 12-lb. (5.44 kg) anchor is an option.

Performance

The Numbers. The Robalo R230 has an LOA of 23’ (7.01 m), a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m), and a draft of 31” (78.74 cm). With an empty weight of 3,850 lbs. (1,746.33 kg), 20 gallons (75.70 L) fuel and two people onboard, we had an estimated test weight of 4,390 lbs. (1,991 kg). 

Top Speed. With a single 250-hp Yamaha VMAX outboard turning a 17” (43.18 cm) pitch stainless propeller and run up to 6000 rpm, we reached a top speed of 52.0 mph (83.7 kph).

Best economic cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 32.0 mph (51.5 kph). At that speed, the 10.8 gph (40.7 lph) fuel burn translated into 3.0 mpg (1.27 kpl) and a range of 241 statute miles (388 km) all while still holding back a 10 percent reserve of the boat’s 90-gallon (341 L) total fuel capacity. 

Acceleration

The Robalo R230 got on to plane in 4.7 seconds, reached 20 mph (32 kph) in 6.0 seconds and topped 30 mph (48 kph) in 8.9 seconds.

Time to plane:     4.7 seconds

Zero to 20 mph:  6.0 seconds

Zero to 30 mph:  8.9 seconds

Handling

Equipment Discussion

There is an optional aluminum dual-axle trailer with disc brakes available (see dealer for details).

Price

Base boat with engine options:

• Yamaha 200-hp ($58,995)
• Yamaha 250-hp VMAX ($63,501)
• Mercury 250-hp DTS ($65,941)
• Yamaha 250-hp 4.2L ($66,139)

Optional Equipment to Consider

• Fiberglass hardtop with powder coated frame ($6,475)
• Taco Grandslam outriggers (requires hardtop) ($2,185)
• Bimini top with steel bow rails and boot ($1,175)
• Trim Tabs with indicator switch ($950
• Electric toilet, 8-gal holding tank & overboard discharge ($1,930)
• Cockpit table ($470)
• Removable bow seating backrests ($1,090)
• Pull-up cleats ($265)
• Fresh water shower ($445)
• Ski tow ($910)
• Console cover ($520)
• Dual battery charger ($280)

Observations

Many of the basics most buyers would want like a VHF radio and the hardtop are options. It does give the buyer a choice of outfitting the boat with details they prefer without paying for options they don’t choose.