Robalo’s versatile R247 is in a class of its own. If you want a family sport boat that’s also good to go as a fishing machine, then this is where it’s at! Dean Castle soaks up the sun onboard the R247.
The Robalo R247 is a dual console craft aimed to give you the best of everything. This is a business-class cruiser, so get ready to hang up a sign at your place of work that says ‘Gone boating. Will be back when the weather gets bad’. There’s so much to like about the R247 that I almost don’t know where to begin. We were fortunate enough to take a trip out with this Robalo’s owner, Conrad Teuber, whose fastidious efforts have kept this craft in brand-new condition – and after 12 months of owning her, is still happy as ever.
Deck layout
Although the R247 comes from a heritage of sportsfishers – this Robalo is all about fishing easily and efficiently, and one you can certainly cruise and tube with as well. Being versatile like this means that you really can enjoy her without being limited.
Let’s start with what you can’t see. This Robalo is built with Kevlarreinforcement to keep her strong and light, and behind the fibreglass you’ll find the system of wiring to be completely and utterly neat – which shows that this isn’t a slap-dash boat; and the input is carried throughout the build and seen in all the finishings. Now, what you can see; she’s an attractive boat, whether she’s parked in front of your house, in the deep blue among the Tuna, or on the lagoon with your family – and there’s a lot that goes towards making her so comfortable and user friendly.
Beginning with the party tricks; the stern has got a flip-up cushion from the transom which provides you with additional seating when you need it, or you can have it folded down to give you plenty of space on the deck as well as plush thigh cushioning when you’ve got some tight lines. Similarly, the innovative port-side forward and rearward facing seat can be set in one of three positions – including being flat if someone wants to relax – or you can remove it altogether for additional spaciousness; or even lift it and find a generous sized cooler box or storage for your catch. Then, there’s the full-size head unit for changing in or conventional use.
Other than those, look forward to rod storage in the gunwales and live-well at the stern which comes equipped with a board for cutting your bait. I also liked the clever wet-bar behind the skipper which has a sink and is plumbed with fresh water, and offers storage space below that houses the removable cooler box too.
In the centre of the deck you’ll find what’s usually the ski-hatch. On the R247 you’ll find a cavernous area, perfect for keeping fenders, covers, gear and tackle containers.
Upfront, find a bowrider section which is perfect for the days that your family is enjoying the good weather, as well as an electric windlass anchor system to take the fuss out of parking off.
At the helm of this already sold boat was a premium Garmin echo sounder/chartplotter and is flanked by a variety of engine gauges and buttons and switches.
Truth be told, the Robalo R247 comes in a have-it-your-way assortment of optional extras and you can ultimately tailor-make the craft to what you want and need, and I couldn’t begin to cover what you might be interested in given the space constraints with these pages – but contact your nearest authorised dealer to find out more.
