The S tacked onto the 206 Cayman’s name stands for seating, acknowledging how Robalo borrowed the passenger-friendly bow layout of the 246 Cayman in order to make this shallow-draft bay boat a more versatile choice for cruising and family duty.
Snap-in bow cushions create a U-shaped lounge recessed just below the forward casting deck, with four feet of stretch-out legroom both port and starboard, and a filler cushion in the forward platform step. Removable backrests on beefy billet arms slide into place for forward-facing backrests. A shallow coaming bolster adds an additional layer of comfort and security. Another seat awaits in front of the console with a full-height backrest and sturdy handrails to each side. At the helm, the double-wide leaning post features a flip-over backrest to let crew members focus attention aft. Twin jump seats are also integrated into the aft casting deck, their supportive seat backs pivoting into view on smoothly operating hinges.
That’s plenty of options for the family, but fishing remains a priority. Remove those bow cushions to reveal additional raised deck space covered in diamond-pattern nonskid. Open the full-length port hatch and discover dry stowage and space for four rods. The corresponding compartment to starboard contains a 45-gallon insulated fish box. More dry stowage is found below the center hatch. On the upper casting deck, the anchor-locker hatch features friction hinges, and there’s a plug for a trolling motor within. An 18-gallon livewell occupies the space below the forward console seat. With jump seats folded down, the aft casting deck spans the entire beam. The deck features a 15-gallon livewell in the center and stowage for a 5-gallon bucket to port.
While the look says shallow-water bay boat, the Cayman hull actually features 15 degrees of deadrise, Robalo’s Extended V-Plane bottom design and an aggressive hull flare. That makes for a boat that’s comfortable in skinny waters while also being competent running through bay chop. Our test boat was paired with a Yamaha 150 for a quick 3.5-second time to plane and a 46 mph top speed.
High Points
- Roto-molded helm seat base has a built-in 70-quart cooler.
- Helm features lighted compass, Yamaha digital gauges and storage nooks, behind an aluminum-framed acrylic windshield.
- Livewells feature ice-blue interiors, plus rounded corners to reduce bait shock.
- Six vertical stainless-steel rod holders; four rocket launchers on optional T-top.
- Six stainless-steel pull-up cleats show the Robalo logo.
- Four-step stainless-steel ladder under latched hatch.
Price: $48,021 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F150 XB
Prop: Yamaha Reliance 14 1/4″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 13 gal.
Crew Weight: 335 lb.
Robalo Boats – Nashville, Georgia; 229-686-7487; robalo.com
