Hi, I'm Captain Tripp with boattest.com
and today we're gonna take a look at the Robalo R270.
We're up here at the helm
and the first thing that I notice is just
how much visibility you have, and that is
because of the design here allows the helm to be lower
and with this increased visibility, it's not hindered
by any curves in the glass.
These are all straight pane tempered glass.
Just forward the handstitched final brow.
You find two storage trays with drains as well as a compass,
both port and starbord on the helm,
you have your backlit stainless steel switches,
which is a great feature
so you know which switch you're pressing if it's dark out.
We have a glare resistant acrylic here
that allows flush mounting of all of your electronics.
And then we have room for another screen
as well under our display.
We have a wireless phone charger here as well
as a dual USB port 12 volt outlet
and our trim tabs also over here is our Clarion head unit.
All of their boats come with the Yamaha display Unit.
This way, all your engine data is not taking up space on
your Simrad unit.
Then we also find a nice substantial stainless steel wheel
that's of course adjustable and our power start and stop.
And our controls here, which are ergonomically positioned
to be nice and comfortable to use while underway.
The helm seat has ample room for both pilot and companion
and also with these bolsters we have different seating
positions and this is emphasized
by the molded footrests here that allow
for different positions while operating.
And also an added feature is this plush Robalo anti-fatigue
mat overhead.
I was pleased to see an oversized T top.
Typically, you'll find that most T tops do not have
quite as much overhang.
This is a great feature because a lot
of times you find yourself under a small T top
and people are just fighting over that little piece
of shade overhead.
We find our JL audio speakers as well as a storage hatch
with our VHF radio.
A nice touch is this electrically actuated windshield vent
when you wanna let in some extra air, but also overhead.
We find our map lights
to illuminate our helm while we're underway
and spread our lights around the outside.
One thing I can't help but notice early on about Robalo,
just the overall fit and finish
and the pride that they take in their boats.
One thing, their upholstery,
they use a beautiful silicone material
and this doesn't pink, it doesn't mold.
It just has so many benefits over your traditional vinyl
that you find in most boats.
Another thing, a lot of their hinges,
they use tension hinges
so you're not using gas shocks and things like that.
This tension hinge holds whatever door
or compartment you're opening right where you want it.
And they also have non-skid throughout.
Another thing that Robalo does that sits them apart from a lot
of their competitors, it the fit
and finish category would be they finish the underside
of their hatches and also all
of the boxes are fully insulated
with at least two inches of foam.
I also wanna point out the gaskets
that they have under almost all their hatches
to keep things dry on the inside.
Another thing Robalo is meticulous about is they
use black caulking.
As time goes on, you're not gonna have
to worry about your caulking turning on you.
It's gonna stay looking great.
We also find ample seating back here
with a rear facing bench seat
and then opposing to that at the stern,
a forward facing stowaway seating.
One thing I always struggle with is wanting to know what
to do with this cushion well Robalo has thought of that.
Simply flip it up and it is secured behind the back rests
and under here we find another insulated livewell.
it's 20 gallons
with the Robalo R270 being yacht certified, it's great
because we have all these seating
and we can actually fill it.
Now, if your day is focused more on fishing,
then just a day at the sandbar,
the Robalo 270 has you covered.
First. We have good bolsters toe rails
to keep you in place if you're fighting that fish
or leaning over the side trying to get a gaff in the fish.
Then once you get our gaff open, your tuna door,
haul her in, and then just
inside the door we find our mount
for our removable side access ladder.
As we move up into the bow, there's a lot going on here
that makes this boat very versatile.
Well, let's start up here where the windless
and anchor locker are located under here.
You find your windless is kind
of recessed down in this plate here,
which gives us some more room.
We have our anchor and road goes out through the bow.
Also, you have a tool in here
for manual operation if you need to go that way
and access down to your road as well as a manual switch,
but can also be controlled back at the helm.
Now something else stands out to me,
just makes things convenient, is how this latch
If you notice, you just close it and it locks.
There's no turn mechanism in order to lock it.
It's just simple, quick, it keeps things outta the way.
I'm happy to see that they had safety in mind when they
designed this bow because they gave us a higher seatback than
you would generally see on other boats.
I like how sturdy and heavy duty these forward facing
seatbacks are when in place they make a nice,
comfortable forward facing lounge,
but they can also be removed and stowed below
and a little farther back.
The fire extinguisher that is recessed in the hull works
underneath all of our cushions is insulated storage,
which is accessed by this paddle latch design instead
of having to come under the cushion with your turn latch.
Simple paddle latch is a much better design
in the floor we have access to ample storage.
Below that houses a dedicated spot for our table supports.
Also, this will make a great place
to store batteries if you wanted
to install a trolling motor on the bow.
Something else, the Robalo 270 does really well,
which makes this boat great
for families is the head is easily accessed forward.
What this gives us is a larger entry into the head
that is 21 inches wide
and a nice step down below to guide us as we enter.
And once we get inside, we have 42 inches
of sitting headroom, also stainless steel port light
and dedicated storage for our table that goes in the bow.
This boat comes standard with a porcelain head
with optional discharge overboard.
Whenever you're ready for some dining
or maybe some evening cocktails,
you can set up the dedicated table for this position.
But you can also remove your cushions, drop the table down,
and you have a perfect casting platform.
Now when it comes time to do your servicing,
whether you do it yourself
or you take it to a mechanic,
anyone is gonna love climbing into the back of a Robalo 270
because you have such great access
to all your important components in the bilge,
whether it be bilge pumps, floats, fuel filters,
battery charger, and batteries.
Something else I noticed that I really like is all
of their wiring is protected in looms.
That's something you usually don't
see on a boat in this class.
Another nice touch at the bottom of these rod holders,
we find drains
to get the water overboard instead of down in the village.
Robalo takes time to do that on all
of your cup holders and rod holders.
Back at the transom door, we find our freshwater shower
and behind the actual transom door.
Hidden is our battery access.
We have our main battery switches as well as fuses box.
Robalo has given us six more rod holders across the transom.
We have a recessed swim ladder
And this is a four step ladder to make it easier
for people to climb aboard.
The Robalo has quite a number of motor options.
We're running Twin Yamaha two hundreds.
Let's go see how they perform.
The Robalo R270 stretches to an overall length
of 27 foot six inches, a nine foot six inch beam,
and 21 inches of draft with the motors trimmed up
and an empty weight coming in at 7,000 pounds
during our test with four of us on board
and the fuel tank at three quarters of the way full,
the estimated weight was around 9,588 pounds.
A pair of Twin Yamaha two hundreds power the boat,
which when pushed to their limits hit 6,000 RPMs
and propels the boat to a Swift 46.5 miles an hour
for those seeking the sweet spot for cruising.
It's at 4,500 RPM, clocking in at a good pace
of 33.8 miles per hour, giving you an efficiency
of 1.3 miles per gallon.
This means you can venture up to 141 statute miles,
leaving a 10% reserve of its 180 gallon tank.
Driving the 270 is really pretty pleasant.
She likes to stay on her 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 eye.
As for acceleration,
she gets up on plane in a brisk 5.2 seconds,
hits 20 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds
and 30 miles per hour in just 9.9 seconds.
So if you're looking for a capable tournament boat
or just boat to go out and enjoy the A day on the sandbar,
the Robalo R270 is a great choice.
I'm Captain Trip Smith with boat test.com.
And remember, life's better on a boat.