Robalos are tough, stylish, and offer optimal deck space for crew and top-shelf production quality at a modest price. The R257 leaped from the starting line to plane in 4.5 seconds and pegged the speedometer at 48 mph in our tests, and its wide beam gave more wandering space than many 25-foot dual consoles.
Robalo’s R257 replaces bowrider boredom with a seriously fishable saltwater SUV that’s ready for diving, snorkeling, cruising and beachcombing, and it does it with luxury too.
The ride is smooth thanks to its deep, wave-cleaving deadrise, and the optional Lenco Pro Control tabs make manual trim adjustments superfluous. Crisp chines aid in precise turns, and available joystick steering makes the most awkward moorings easy to access.
On deck, the dual console has a wraparound windshield and a wind dam that protect the cockpit from the elements in cooler weather but open it up in warmer temps to join the wraparound bow seating, which is deep, safe and comfortable, with a bolster and rails all the way around. Robalo is one of the few companies that offer standard silicone fabric upholstery that is inherently UV- and mildew-resistant. It’s supple, cool to the touch, and repels stains from sunscreen, red wine, soda and ink. We love the look of the multiple textures and colors, which can complement any of the almost infinite color schemes available.
The fishing cockpit is spacious with a foldaway transom seat. A portside lounge converts from a forward-facing passenger seat with lounge space behind, or flip the back bolster forward and the entire length of cushion is a lounge. Behind the captain’s bucket seat is an entertainment galley with a sink and shower head, with a 15-gallon water tank and storage.
For anglers there is a 30-gallon livewell with a high-capacity pump to keep hundreds of baits alive all day. Rod holders surround the cockpit on the transom and gunwales, plus six are in the hardtop to keep extra rods ready.
The Robalo R257 is hardcore-fishable, with durable, crew-pampering features and reliable outboard power.
High Points
- Optional Lenco Pro Control trim tabs automatically adjust for a smooth, level ride.
- Standard hardtop includes six rod holders, dual storage boxes, LED spreader lights, tri-color overhead lights, four speakers, outrigger-ready mounts and a ski tow.
How We Tested
- Engine: Twin Yamaha 200 hp outboards
- Drive/Prop: Reliance 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $195,712 (as tested); $149,095 (base with twin 150s) |
| LOA: | 25’3″ |
| Beam: | 9’2″ |
| Draft: | 1’10” (motor up) |
| Dry Weight: | 7,000 lb. (with power) |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/1,449 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 165 gal. |
Robalo Boats – Nashville, Georgia; robalo.com
