Robalo - Opinions??

[Ron]

I have been fishing from an 18' CC for 9 years and I'm now considering a slightly larger boat, ie 21' - 22' CC with alot more HP. I've looked around a little but plan to take my time and make sure I make the right decision. I've always liked the look of the Robalo's even though they seem to be a little pricey. Does anyone own one or have any opinions about this boat in the size I am considering. Thanks for you help.

Pray for Spring!

[BillySalmonhole]

HEY RON,
I LOOKED AT ROBALO BOATS VERY CLOSELY DURING MY SEARCH FOR A BOAT THIS WINTER. I THOUGHT THE ROBALO 21' CC STACKED UP VERY NICELY AGAINST THE COMPETITION IN THIS SIZE AND PRICE RANGE. A COUPLE FEATURES I LIKE IN PARTICULAR ABOUT THE 21 FOOTER WERE: 1. A LOT OF STORAGE FOR ITS SIZE AND 2.THE REAR JUMPER SEATS COULD COME IN HANDY WHEN CRUISING (NOT FISHING). IN ADDITION, I LIKED THE WAY THEY DESIGNED THE FREEBOARD IN THE FORWARD DECK AREA. WITH A LITTLE BIT OF COMBING PADDING AROUND THE GUNWALE, ONE CAN STAND FORWARD AND CAST WHILE BRACING THEIR KNEES COMFORTABLY AND WITH GOOD STABILITY. LASTLY, ALTHOUGH I DID NOT SERIOUS PRICE THE BOAT, I THINK IT COULD BE BOUGHT LOADED (WITH T-TOP AND POWER) FOR LESS THAN $30K. FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH MY RECENT BOAT PURCHASE, I LEARNED THAT THERE IS A LOT OF ROOM FOR NEGOIATION IN THE PRICE. A LOT MORE THAN I COULD HAVE IMAGINED AT THE START OF MY SEARCH, YOU JUST NEED TO SHOP THE PRICE AGGRESSIVELY. FOR THE RECORD, I ENDED UP BUYING A HYDRA-SPORTS 2390 VECTOR, THIS ROBALO WAS A CLOSE RUNNER UP.
GOOD LUCK,
BILLY