Overview
Robalo Boats are tough and stylish, offering optimal deck space for crew as well as top-shelf production quality at a modest price. The R257 dual-console punches above its class in performance, fishability and comfort.
The R257 proves a seriously fishable saltwater SUV that’s ready for diving, snorkeling, cruising and beachcombing—and, yes, it offers some luxury too.
The R257’s ride is smooth thanks to its deep, wave-cleaving deadrise. Well-positioned chines aid in crisp turns, and available Helm Master joystick steering makes mooring easy. The full-maneuverability joystick system holds the boat when waiting for your turn at the fuel dock too.
Interior and Accessories
A wraparound windshield and a walk-through wind dam protect the cockpit from the elements. Wraparound bow seating is deep and safe, providing comfortable bolsters and rails all the way around. Standard silicone fabric upholstery is inherently UV- and mildew-resistant, supple, cool to the touch, and stain-repellent. We love the look of the multiple textures and colors, complementary to any of the almost infinite color schemes available. The premium upholstery makes the custom captain’s chair even more luxurious and cool to the touch, and the bolster gives a better view when docking
For the No. 1 companion, a portside convertible lounge has a backrest that adjusts to form a single forward-facing seat with a back-to-back aft-facing seat. Flip the backrest forward for an aft-facing lounge. Behind the captain’s bucket seat is an entertainment galley with sink and pullout shower. A fold-away transom seat adds comfortable seating on the fly.
For anglers, there’s a 30-gallon livewell with a high-capacity pump that will keep hundreds of baits alive all day. Rod holders surround the cockpit, with six on transom, one on each gunwale and six in the hardtop to keep extra rods ready. Two 50-gallon fish boxes under the deck are macerated, and pulling your catch into them will be easy through either the transom door or the portside boarding door.
The Robalo R257 is hardcore fishable, with durable crew-pampering features and reliable outboard power.
Read Next: Robalo R250
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Yamaha 200 hp outboards
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Reliance 14.25″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.
High Points
- Optional Lenco Pro Control trim tabs automatically adjust for a smooth, level ride.
- The transom seat adds seating while still leaving space for a transom door.
- Standard hardtop includes six rod holders, dual storage boxes, LED spreader lights, tricolor overhead LED lights, four speakers, outrigger-ready mounts, and a ski tow point.
Low Points
- More tackle storage would be useful but would come at the expense of seating or the deck galley.
- The 9-foot-2-inch beam makes a permit necessary for trailering in some states.
Toughest Competitor
Blackfin does a good job of blending style, comfort and fishability in its 252 DC ($230,760 with twin 200 hp Mercury outboards in white). It is available with Mercury outboards in twin 150 or 200, or single 300 to 400 models.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $195,712 (as tested with twin 200 Yamahas) |
| LOA: | 25’3″ |
| Beam: | 9’2″ |
| Draft: | 2’11” |
| Displacement: | 7,000 lb. (dry with power) |
| Transom Deadrise: | 23 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 8’11” (with outriggers) |
| Max Headroom: | 3’11” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 165 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 400 |
| Available Power: | Single or twin Yamaha outboards to 400 hp |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Robalo Boats – Nashville, Georgia; robalo.com
