There’s something of a breakover point in center console fishing boats at around 26 feet of LOA. Smaller boats feel more subject to the whims of the waves, while larger boats feel more substantial underfoot. Smaller boats generally run on a single engine, while larger ones usually have twins. And smaller boats feel cramped with four or more anglers aboard, while larger ones seem to have acres more elbow room. The leap from under to over is a big one—and a boat that will tempt you into making it is the Robalo R270.
The R270 weighs over 1000 pounds more than the Robalo center console one size down in the lineup (the R250), has 2’3” more LOA, and four inches more beam. That adds up to one heck of a lot of beef and a heck of a lot of room. Remember, additional beam carries through the boat from bow to stern, so it really adds up. And in the case of the R270, it means there’s space for U-shaped seating up front that converts into a sunpad when you drop in the cushions, or a broad casting deck when you leave them at home. There’s space for an aft-facing seat behind the leaning post in the cockpit. And there’s space for a wide drop-down transom seat. Add in the helm station, and in all there’s seating for nine people—without anyone ever feeling cramped.
Adding to the boat’s substantial feel is a beefy console/windshield/hardtop framework with powder-coated pipework going down to the back of the leaning post. The top itself has tri-color map lights, LED spreader lights, an electronics box, integrated speaker mounts, and a rack of rocket launchers. Since the pipes are spread between the console and the post it enjoys added rigidity while providing handholds for people sitting or standing aft as well as at the console.
The cockpit of the R270 is fishy, fishy, and fishier: there’s a pair of 53-gallon fishboxes in the deck; a 20-gallon cooler/livewell under the aft-facing seat; a 30-gallon livewell in the transom; tackle stowage with removable boxes in the portside coaming; six flush-mount rodholders lining the transom; and 10 flush-mount rodholders in the gunwales. Note that the bow has some added fishiness, too, with a forward 20-gallon livewell and a pair of 20-gallon fishboxes. And up front, leave those cushions at home and the bow cockpit is a worthy fish-fighting arena as well.
Jumping up to this size range does mean jumping up to twins, and the R270 can be had with a pair of Mercury or Yamaha outboards of 200 or 250 horses each. With stock 200s you can plan on enjoying a 4500-rpm cruise in the lower-mid 30s, and a top-end speed in the mid- to upper-40s. Jump up to a pair of the 250s and you’re looking at a 50-mph-plus boat.
As is true with most Robalo models, the R270 adds in a number of family features that might not help you catch more fish, but will certainly be appreciated by everyone aboard. There are 12-V/USB ports at the helm, a six-speaker JL Audio sound system with a 10” subwoofer, a waterproof wireless cell phone charging port, and a freshwater shower at the transom. Naturally there’s also a head compartment in the console, and in this case the front swings open for easy entry. Options worth consideration are Garmin or Simrad electronics systems and a Minn Kota Riptide Terrova Quest 115-lb thrust electric trolling motor on the bow.
So: are you ready to step up from a boat that feels small to one that feels big? A boat that can take on every corner of the Chesapeake, and then some? Go ahead—take the leap.
Robalo R270 Specifications
- LOA – 27’6”
- Beam – 9’6”
- Displacement – 7100 lbs.
- Draft (min.) – 1’9”
- Transom Deadrise – 23 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 180 gal.
- Water Capacity – 15 gal.
- Max. Power – 500 hp
For more information visit the Robalo Boats website, or FishTalk supporter Anchor Boats, North East MD, (800) 773-2628.