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Robalo R270 (2024-)
2 x 200-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F200XCA 25"
Brief Summary
The R270 Center Console is 27’6” LOA (8.38 m) with a 9’6” (2.90 m) beam and she can be powered by optional twin Yamaha outboards in 200-hp or 250-hp models. Her stainless props come standard. She is ruggedly constructed, built to require a minimum of maintenance, and is priced in the mid range.
Test Results
| RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | SM | NM | dBa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 4.3 | 0.37 | 0.32 | 54 | 47 | 65 |
| 1500 | 6.2 | 5.4 | 2.8 | 2.21 | 1.92 | 323 | 281 | 70 |
| 2000 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 1.48 | 249 | 216 | 75 |
| 2500 | 8.9 | 7.7 | 6.8 | 1.31 | 1.14 | 191 | 166 | 82 |
| 3000 | 12.1 | 10.5 | 9.5 | 1.27 | 1.11 | 186 | 161 | 85 |
| 3500 | 20.6 | 17.9 | 11.9 | 1.73 | 1.5 | 252 | 219 | 85 |
| 4000 | 27 | 23.5 | 14.8 | 1.82 | 1.59 | 266 | 231 | 87 |
| 4500 | 32.9 | 28.6 | 18.3 | 1.8 | 1.56 | 262 | 228 | 90 |
| 5000 | 37.5 | 32.6 | 24.8 | 1.51 | 1.31 | 220 | 192 | 90 |
| 5500 | 41.4 | 36 | 33.1 | 1.25 | 1.09 | 182 | 158 | 92 |
| 6000 | 46.5 | 40.4 | 44.3 | 1.05 | 0.91 | 153 | 133 | 95 |
Specifications
| Length Overall |
27' 6" 8.38 m |
|---|---|
| Beam |
9' 6" 2.90 m |
| Dry Weight |
7,000 lbs 3,175 kg |
| Tested Weight |
9,588 lbs 4,349 kg |
| Draft Up |
21" 53 cm |
| Deadrise/Transom | 23 deg |
| Bridge Clearance |
8' 7" 2.62 m |
| Fuel Capacity |
180 gal 681 L |
| Water Capacity |
15 gal 57 L |
| Total Weight |
9,588 lbs 4,349 kg |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
| Time to Plane | 5.23 |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 | 9.98 |
| Climate | 90 deg., 85 humid; wind: 5-15 mph, seas: calm |
Engine Options
| Tested Engine |
2 x 200-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F200XCA 25" |
|---|---|
| Std. Power |
2 x 200-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F200XCA 25" |
| Opt. Power |
2 x 250-hp Yamaha Four Stroke F250XCB 25" |
Robalo R270
Captain's Report by Capt. Ken Kreisler
The R270 has an LOA of 27'6" (8.38 m) with a 9'6" (2.9 m) beam and she can be powered by optional twin Yamaha outboards in 200-hp or 250-hp models. Her stainless props come standard.
Mission Statement
Robalo, with a pedigree dating back to 1968, has designed the R270 to be the heir apparent to all the innovations the company has built into its boats since day one. And that includes a smooth and sturdy ride, quick time to plane, and the kind of performance you want, all thanks to a pair of optional 200- or 250-hp Yamaha outboards and its Hydro Lift™ Multi-Angle Hull.
Major Features
- Twin 50-gallon fish boxes are located in the cockpit floor
- 30-gallon livewell in the aft gunwale
- Kevlar-reinforced hull w/Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Large door-to-head compartment on the front of console
- Front and side glass windshield
- Walk-thru transom door
Features Inspection
The Cockpit
Whether fishing or day tripping, and as with all center console boats, the focal points are the cockpit and bow areas. On board the R270, Robalo has made sure she can easily fulfill both requirements.
Here in the cockpit, we found generous transom fold-down seating as well as a double-wide just behind the helm. In addition, there is also room to starboard for a folding portable chair if necessary. Bolsters and found to either side while to port, there is a sturdy boarding door.
Given Robalo’s resourcefulness in utilizing the space for maximum use, there are a pair of 53-gallon insulated fish boxes, with overboard drains, in the deck, a 30-gallon livewell on the port aft section, and an additional livewell under the rear-facing seat. An optional wet bar/bait prep station is also available. In addition, there are a total of 10 stainless rod holders in the gunwales.
Again, showing off its abilities to make the most out of the space, that transom seat, when in the closed position, easily lifts up on rams to expose the pump and battery compartment, making maintenance safe and easily accessible.
The Center Console
Whether new to center console boats or a veteran with lots of water in your wake, the Robalo R270 presents a driving and navigating platform on which to take care of all your needs.
The helm console has enough room for a pair of screens, convenient powder-coated grabs to either side, including the frame, a lockable glove box, and back-lit switches to either side, all within easy reach. There is a dual-level integrated footrest, overhead lighting, and self-draining storage trays on top of the console.
The optional Simrad electronics package includes autopilot, B175 1KW transducer, NMEA 2000 Starter Package with audio interface, NSS12 EVO3S dual touch screens, NSS9 EVO3S dual touch screens, Halo Open Array radar with GS25 Heading Sensor, and Single NSS12 EVO3S. Just above the wheel is a slot for your cell phone with wireless charging. Standard USB and USB C charging ports, a 12V connection, trim tab controller, and Clarion stereo system menu are also located here.
The Bow
Knowing the bow area is as useful to fishermen and cruisers alike, Robalo has equipped the R270 with the kind of features to get the job done both ways.
Deep lounge seating on both port and starboard sides, along with removable backrests, a forward-facing seat in front of the console, and an additional cushioned seat between the lounges, completes this comfortable space while traveling or for get-togethers in the dock or at anchor.
Options to Consider
- Yamaha Maneuverability Package including joystick
- Hull colors include gray, blue, black, sea foam green
- Gemlux® Deluxe Collapsible Hybrid 18' Outriggers
- Hardtop underside gelcoat
- Two blue LED underwater lights
- Aluminum triple axel w/aluminum wheels and spare tire kit
- Windlass and stainless side entry ladder
- Either 200- or 250-hp twin Yamaha outboards in black or white
- Pre-wire for trolling motor w/triple bank charger
- Minn Kota Riptide 36V trolling motor
- Seadek helm mat
Observations
The Robalo R270 Center Console was engineered and designed for both serious fishing as well as family cruising and fun on the water. To that end, she is well-appointed with all the necessary equipment as well as a list of options to make any on-water experience safe, exciting, and memorable. Equipped with either 200- or 250-hp Yamaha outboard engines, all but guarantees spirited performance.
Test Video Summary
Overview
The Robalo R270 is a center console that works as a capable tournament fishing boat or a boat for a day at the sandbar. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with twin Yamaha 200 outboards.
“So if you’re looking for a capable tournament boat, or just a boat to go out and enjoy a day on the sandbar, the Robalo R270 is a great choice.”
Mission And Intended Owner
- Built To Do: Tournament fishing and family sandbar days
- Designed For: Anglers and families who want versatility and Robalo fit and finish
- Locus Of Operation: Coastal and offshore waters
Design Overview
- Helm: Designed to sit lower, for increased visibility
- Windshield: Straight-pane tempered glass, with no curves to distort the view
- T-Top: Oversized, with more overhang than most for extra shade
- Upholstery: Silicone material that won’t turn pink or mold
- Hatches: Tension hinges, finished undersides and gaskets under almost all hatches
- Insulation: All boxes insulated with at least 2 inches of foam
- Caulking: Black, so it keeps looking great over time
- Wiring: Protected in looms, which The Captain says is unusual in this class
- Drainage: Rod holders and cup holders drain overboard
- Certification: Yacht certified, so all her seating can actually be filled
“One thing I can’t help but notice early on about Robalo is just the overall fit and finish and the pride that they take in their boats.”
Specifications
- Length Overall: 27 feet, 6 inches
- Beam: 9 feet, 6 inches
- Draft: 21 inches with the motors trimmed up
- Empty Weight: 7,000 pounds
- Fuel Capacity: 180 gallons
- Livewell: 20 gallons, insulated
- Head Entry: 21 inches wide
- Head Seated Headroom: 42 inches
Test Conditions And Test Weight
- Load: Four people and the fuel tank three-quarters full
- Test Weight: About 9,588 pounds
Performance
- Tested Power: Twin Yamaha 200 outboards
- Optional Power: A number of other motor options
- Top Speed: 46.5 mph at 6,000 rpm
- Best Cruise: 33.8 mph at 4,500 rpm
- Fuel Economy At Best Cruise: 1.3 mpg
- Range At Best Cruise: 141 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve
| RPM | MPH | MPG | Range (SM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,500 | 33.8 | 1.3 | 141 |
| 6,000 | 46.5 | — | — |
Acceleration:
- Time To Plane: 5.2 seconds
- 0–20 mph: 6.5 seconds
- 0–30 mph: 9.9 seconds
Sea Trial And Handling
- Feel: Pleasant to drive
- Tracking: Stays on the rails
- Planing: Comes up on plane nicely
- On Plane: Sticks right where you put her
“She likes to stay on the rails pretty good, really comes up on plane nicely, once you get her on plane she just sticks right where you put her, pleasure to drive.”
Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment
- Access: Great access to the bilge
- Contents: Bilge pumps, floats, fuel filters, battery charger and batteries
- Wiring: Protected in looms
- Battery Switches And Fuses: Hidden behind the transom door
“Anyone is going to love climbing into the back of a Robalo 270, because you have such great access to all your important components in the bilge.”
Features Inspection
The Helm
- Visibility: Excellent, thanks to the lower helm and straight-pane glass
- Brow: Hand-stitched
- Trays: Two drained storage trays
- Compass: Port and starboard
- Switches: Backlit stainless steel, easy to read in the dark
- Panel: Glare-resistant acrylic for flush-mounted electronics, with room for another screen
- Charging: Wireless phone charger, dual USB ports and a 12-volt outlet
- Trim Tabs: Below the display
- Audio: Clarion head unit
- Engine Display: Standard Yamaha display, keeping engine data off the Simrad screen
- Wheel: Substantial, adjustable stainless steel
- Controls: Power start-stop and ergonomically positioned engine controls
- Helm Seat: Room for pilot and companion, with bolsters for different seating positions
- Footrests: Molded, for several positions
- Mat: Plush Robalo anti-fatigue mat
- Overhead: Speakers, a storage hatch with the VHF, an electric windshield vent, map lights and spreader lights
Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle
- Windlass: Recessed into a plate for more room, with the rode running out through the bow
- Manual Operation: Tool for manual operation, plus access to the rode
- Controls: Switch in the locker and at the helm
- Latch: Locks simply by closing, with no turn mechanism
Boarding Amenities
- Tuna Door: For hauling in fish, with a mount for a removable side-access ladder just inside
- Transom Door: With a freshwater shower
- Swim Ladder: Recessed four-step ladder
Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment
- Seating: A rear-facing bench, plus forward-facing stowaway seating at the stern
- Cushion Storage: The cushion flips up and secures behind the backrest
- Livewell: 20-gallon insulated, under the stern seat
- Bolsters And Toe Rails: For fighting and gaffing fish
- Rod Holders: Six across the transom
Bow Arrangement
- Seatbacks: Higher than on most boats, for safety, and sturdy; they form a forward-facing lounge or remove and stow below
- Storage: Insulated, under all the cushions, with paddle latches
- In-Floor Storage: Ample, with a dedicated spot for the table supports and room for trolling motor batteries
- Table: Dedicated, for dining or “dock-tails”; lowered with cushions removed, the area becomes a casting platform
Interior Spaces
Head:
- Entry: Forward, 21 inches wide, with a step down
- Headroom: 42 inches seated
- Port Light: Stainless steel
- Storage: Dedicated storage for the table, in the V-berth
- Toilet: Standard porcelain head, with optional overboard discharge
Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages
- Excellent visibility from the low helm and straight-pane glass
- Oversized T-top shade
- Outstanding Robalo fit and finish, with silicone upholstery, gaskets and black caulking
- Wiring in protective looms, rare in her class
- Great bilge access for maintenance
- Yacht certified, so all seating can be used
- Tuna door with a side ladder mount
- Forward head entry with a standard porcelain toilet
- Tracks like she’s on rails
Disadvantages
- 1.3 mpg at best cruise
- Overboard discharge is optional
- Range seems low for a 180-gallon tank
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