ROBALO R207 BOWRIDER

The Robalo R207 is a brilliant all-rounder that just might redefine the way bow-riders are perceived by cuddy-cab fishermen

When the Robalo designers created the R207 Bowrider, I can imagine somewhere on the design brief the boss wrote, ‘build the perfect boat’. We tested the theory with a day on the water at Williamstown, fishing, water-skiing and cruising under the Melbourne sky-line.

The fishing features on the R207 put most fishing boats to shame. There are three fish boxes, all with external overflows, a 50 litre bait tank, stainless toe rails, padded bolsters, rod racks for four rods, and rod holders cleverly disguised as drink holders. The R207 leaves cuddy cabins behind in the race for deck space. Fore-deck cushions can be removed to reveal a large, wrap around casting platform finished in a neat non-skid finish. The aft jump seats flip down to create another ‘deck zone’ for casting. These wide, flat spaces also make a great swim platform for the kids.

Tuna trips to the shelf are well within reach with a 227 litre fuel tank. The hull features high top-sides and Carolina-style flared bow giving the boat a dry, safe ride. If you do cop a wave over the wrap-around windscreen, self-draining decks will bail you out. The multiple lifting strakes and extended running surfaces (V-planes) give the boat a firm and fun ride. It’s not light (at just over 1500kg) but there’s not many off-shore stallions in the featherweight class either.

When the fishing stops and the party starts, this boat becomes the centre of attention. It has seating for eight and room in between the dual console for a dance floor. There’s even a cloak-room (better known as the head) to change out of your party gear – and into a wetsuit when the skis come out. At 1.9 metres long, the under-floor storage locker has enough room to store skis and wake-boards, plus gear, out of the way. A factory tow frame and wake tower are optional.

Powering the Robalo was a 200HP Honda, which rearranged hairstyles. It was the perfect day out off Williamstown. The perfect boat? Might have to head to the shelf with some mates and gamefishing rods to find out…

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