Great review Chris. Look at the Key West 230Bay Reef. I have the 210BR and absolutely love it except no room to walk around the rear of the seats when fishing unless you are skinny as hell. The 230BR takes care of that. I take mine off shore, out of Ponce, all the time and its a very dry ride and gets into the skinny water nicely with a jack plate. No issues handling the 2-3 footers.
… right before we went to Key West we had an opportunity to purchase a SeaFox 240 viper. After the Key West trip be discussed it and are going to stay away from Bay boats, looking for more offshore access. There’s been a few time if I didn’t have the higher Gunnels I would have wound up head over tea kettle in the drink. I lean on them a lot to keep my balance, not the most graceful guy 😂. We may buy a cheaper flats or bay boat down the road for some more inshore access. Time will tell what the future holds.
*Chris, Imho... the Channel really has evolved around your appreciation of your Robalo and getting up, out and away for the Salty Strikes of the Wind, Water and Fish, as often as you can... This was Really an enjoyable review, useful and interesting with lots of insights behind the mods you've made.... Plus the bits of history where/how things were... are now... and bits of future dreams... Also, really glad that Kim has gotten into the fun of fishing with you and it's great to see her enjoying herself, while sharing the screen time with you.... plus it's cool to see how she even lets you catch fish some times...* Really do appreciate you both.. gw
Hey Chris, great review of your Robalo. One option you forgot to mention that was a great add on as I did per your recommendation is to put that hydraulic strut on the head door to stop it from slamming. Agree with everything you said. Fish on!
@@SaltyStrikes No worries there, I learned all about it from you. It was one of the most beneficial features added to my 2021 R200 in my opinion that the factory should of added to begin with.
I love mine as well. The only thing I don’t like is the pad on the hull. It pounds in a chop unless you trim the the nose down. Gas mileage is great but I would have liked a true dead rise. Everything else I love.
Hi Chris, Great review in this update and the original review. I am about to buy an r200. I haven’t heard you or anyone else mention any dislike of the 150, but I was wondering how it has performed when you have had a full load of people and gear? Have you had any issue with sluggish performance when loaded and coming in an inlet or against the tide? What are your thoughts on the 200 Yamaha option? From all I’ve read it’s good for 3 to 4 mph on the top end and better mpg at cruising speeds Thanks for the great videos and congratulations on the captains license.
… it doesn’t react much differently loaded or alone as far as performance. I can’t really say how much gain a F200 would give you. The F150 and the F200 are pretty much the same motor except the F200 has a higher compression ratio which requires a higher octane which would for the price would negate any mpg savings. The big question you have to ask yourself is how fast you want to go and is that 3-4 mph worth the price difference to shave a few minutes off a 20 mile trip. So that all just personal preference, could be worth it to you.
@@SaltyStrikes Thanks Chris. I agree 3 or 4 mph isn’t that much and hardly ever needed or possible unless conditions are very calm. Not sure the juice is worth the squeeze. I was more concerned about the 150 when loaded down or in current and you answered that for me. Thank you.
I love my 2019 R 200 in the same colors as your own,. My son and I use it almost exclusively to Troll for salmon on Lake Michigan north of Chicago. .We run two down riggers, two dipsy divers and two planer boards using various lengths of lead core line. The boat fishes very well and is great for our purposes which have included a couple of picnic cruses with a couple of guests as well as regular fishing trips. I really liked your two reviews and added a T-Bag after I saw yours' on the first video. I'm going to watch it again and see if I get some more ideas. I'd like to improve the rod storage situation like you did. How exactly did you access the area to put in the PVC pipe? Particularly going forward. Thanks Like you I wish it was a little bigger but I could n't swallow the $ 20K jump in price for a R222. That's a lot of money for another foot or so of boat.
…. Glad to hear the reviews are helping. You’re right $20k is a lot for 11 inches of boat. It’s not even an foot. The replacement flip back seats that we have really helps with room in the back of the R200. But now the new R222 have the flip up rear bench is nice, wish they designed the R200 like that. If you have any questions feel free to reach out 😁👍.
Great review! I just bought a Robalo r200 for the same reasons as you originally. Wife can lounge in front and Kids and I can fish as well. I wanna add some flush mount rod holders like you did in the front of the boat. How hard was that to do? Any advice/suggestions on doing that?
We got the same boat but it’s bigger and heavier than it looks is what I would say. Draws a lot of water and must pay attention. We live in your area to
Lol, the mullet analogy is on point…. Looking at the R200, Clearwater 2000cc and Cobia 201 just to get the family out on the water. This was a great real world use review, appreciate the time and efforts you put in!
… here a video on my battery setup th-cam.com/video/zbTwT4a5GQ8/w-d-xo.html and here a video of the motor install th-cam.com/video/1NQjzhaIJx0/w-d-xo.html
I had rod holders installed on my r160 no backing plates just screwed in the back of boat do u think they would be strong enough for a penn 80 with a bent but rod or will ot bust the boat
… first , no one should be seated in the bow of the boat while underway, safety first. The door is very sturdy and heavy, hence the added strut, have had to adjust the latch some over time.
@@SaltyStrikes Thanks for your reply on the sturdiness of the door. I am curious what you mean by no one should be seated in the bow of the boat while underway. The enclosed privacy compartment door has a seat on the outside. It would be perfectly safe to sit on that seat (on the outside) while under way. Not sure if my original message wasn’t clear and you thought I was suggesting someone would be sitting inside the privacy compartment while under way, which would not be safe… and kind of weird. Ha ha ha.
@@briangilson9704 … no one should sit forward of the center console while on plain. Watch “wavy boats” channel or “haulover inlet” channel, which will make things clear. One wrong wave and everyone in the front of the boat will wind up injured and in the back of the boat. Even the seat directly in-front of the head. th-cam.com/video/hH3nsTqdAd8/w-d-xo.html
… find the spot you want to put the rod holder, I think I used a 2” hole saw. Drill at the angle the rod holder will be pointing. Shove it in pre drill screw holes, then install screws. Unscrew it take it back out and use 5200 sealant around the hole and re-install it.
Where did you get the storage hatch you installed up front between the front seats? What size is it and does it have a liner in it or is it just open space below it.. thanks
@@prof1ist just resting on the fiberglass mold, use cardboard like I said to make a template, then cut some starboard, shove it in and zip tie to secure.
Thanks Chris, New to Pensacola last year and pick up a 2020 R200 this weekend. This is my 1st boat so I'm watching a lot of youtube.
… welcome aboard and hope this video helps 👍👊💥
My advice when replacing or installing flush mount rod holders is spend the extra money and get gemlux scoreless. I love mine and no rust!
Great review Chris. Look at the Key West 230Bay Reef. I have the 210BR and absolutely love it except no room to walk around the rear of the seats when fishing unless you are skinny as hell. The 230BR takes care of that. I take mine off shore, out of Ponce, all the time and its a very dry ride and gets into the skinny water nicely with a jack plate. No issues handling the 2-3 footers.
… right before we went to Key West we had an opportunity to purchase a SeaFox 240 viper. After the Key West trip be discussed it and are going to stay away from Bay boats, looking for more offshore access. There’s been a few time if I didn’t have the higher Gunnels I would have wound up head over tea kettle in the drink. I lean on them a lot to keep my balance, not the most graceful guy 😂. We may buy a cheaper flats or bay boat down the road for some more inshore access. Time will tell what the future holds.
*Chris, Imho... the Channel really has evolved around your appreciation of your Robalo and getting up, out and away for the Salty Strikes of the Wind, Water and Fish, as often as you can... This was Really an enjoyable review, useful and interesting with lots of insights behind the mods you've made.... Plus the bits of history where/how things were... are now... and bits of future dreams... Also, really glad that Kim has gotten into the fun of fishing with you and it's great to see her enjoying herself, while sharing the screen time with you.... plus it's cool to see how she even lets you catch fish some times...* Really do appreciate you both.. gw
I ran my 2018 out 65 miles hit a few rigs and had 15 gallons left. Calm running about 30 mph.
Hey Chris, great review of your Robalo. One option you forgot to mention that was a great add on as I did per your recommendation is to put that hydraulic strut on the head door to stop it from slamming.
Agree with everything you said. Fish on!
… yeah I realized I forgot that after I got to editing, doh 🤦♂️. To late at that point. I did link, it in the description.
@@SaltyStrikes No worries there, I learned all about it from you. It was one of the most beneficial features added to my 2021 R200 in my opinion that the factory should of added to begin with.
@@Wirenutby … I completely agree, some of these things should be no brainers from the factory.
I love mine as well. The only thing I don’t like is the pad on the hull. It pounds in a chop unless you trim the the nose down. Gas mileage is great but I would have liked a true dead rise. Everything else I love.
Hi Chris,
Great review in this update and the original review. I am about to buy an r200. I haven’t heard you or anyone else mention any dislike of the 150, but I was wondering how it has performed when you have had a full load of people and gear? Have you had any issue with sluggish performance when loaded and coming in an inlet or against the tide?
What are your thoughts on the 200 Yamaha option? From all I’ve read it’s good for 3 to 4 mph on the top end and better mpg at cruising speeds
Thanks for the great videos and congratulations on the captains license.
… it doesn’t react much differently loaded or alone as far as performance. I can’t really say how much gain a F200 would give you. The F150 and the F200 are pretty much the same motor except the F200 has a higher compression ratio which requires a higher octane which would for the price would negate any mpg savings. The big question you have to ask yourself is how fast you want to go and is that 3-4 mph worth the price difference to shave a few minutes off a 20 mile trip. So that all just personal preference, could be worth it to you.
@@SaltyStrikes Thanks Chris. I agree 3 or 4 mph isn’t that much and hardly ever needed or possible unless conditions are very calm. Not sure the juice is worth the squeeze.
I was more concerned about the 150 when loaded down or in current and you answered that for me. Thank you.
@@Eric-zv7ky …loaded does take a little longer to plane, but I don’t fish bass tournaments so it’s not really a concern. It gets up there so I’m good.
Nice review Mike and I both enjoyed it
… awesome 😎 👍
I love my 2019 R 200 in the same colors as your own,. My son and I use it almost exclusively to Troll for salmon on Lake Michigan north of Chicago. .We run two down riggers, two dipsy divers and two planer boards using various lengths of lead core line. The boat fishes very well and is great for our purposes which have included a couple of picnic cruses with a couple of guests as well as regular fishing trips.
I really liked your two reviews and added a T-Bag after I saw yours' on the first video. I'm going to watch it again and see if I get some more ideas. I'd like to improve the rod storage situation like you did. How exactly did you access the area to put in the PVC pipe? Particularly going forward. Thanks
Like you I wish it was a little bigger but I could n't swallow the $ 20K jump in price for a R222. That's a lot of money for another foot or so of boat.
…. Glad to hear the reviews are helping. You’re right $20k is a lot for 11 inches of boat. It’s not even an foot. The replacement flip back seats that we have really helps with room in the back of the R200. But now the new R222 have the flip up rear bench is nice, wish they designed the R200 like that. If you have any questions feel free to reach out 😁👍.
Parker 2320. Onky $100000
Great review! I just bought a Robalo r200 for the same reasons as you originally. Wife can lounge in front and Kids and I can fish as well. I wanna add some flush mount rod holders like you did in the front of the boat. How hard was that to do? Any advice/suggestions on doing that?
Good hole saw, drill at an angle you need , measure twice cut once. Pretty simple.
We got the same boat but it’s bigger and heavier than it looks is what I would say. Draws a lot of water and must pay attention. We live in your area to
… she’s a heavy girl for sure, from water line to keep draws 15”
Great review video captain 💯
… thank you 🙏🏻 👊💥
*I agree*
try using dry eraser on your seats or slices of lemon. The lemon juice should clean it up.
… thanks 👊💥
@@SaltyStrikes anytime captain!
Lol, the mullet analogy is on point…. Looking at the R200, Clearwater 2000cc and Cobia 201 just to get the family out on the water. This was a great real world use review, appreciate the time and efforts you put in!
… glad you enjoyed and appreciated the time it takes to do this stuff. So many people have been asking for it so probably a little over due.
@Brian Willard … it’s Irritating to me but drives Kim crazy, I happy as long as we are on the fish 😁👍.
Just got a robalo r180 droped it off in Florida for this winter it has a 115 how fast you think that will.go
I had my r160 10mi out in 13mph winds handles mint
Thank you Chris:i have the same boat, need a trolling motor do you use one or two batteries? Thank you.
… here a video on my battery setup th-cam.com/video/zbTwT4a5GQ8/w-d-xo.html and here a video of the motor install th-cam.com/video/1NQjzhaIJx0/w-d-xo.html
I had rod holders installed on my r160 no backing plates just screwed in the back of boat do u think they would be strong enough for a penn 80 with a bent but rod or will ot bust the boat
… I’ve never had any issue but if you plan on reeling in giant Marlin or Goliath grouper I’m sure the peace of mind would be worth it!
Like the update
🙏🏻🙏🏻… thanks, really appreciate it!
Same boat does 45 , except I have more weight/ batteries than you. Different pitch prop, wide ope 57-5800 rpms. Never really run it wide open.
… that’s pretty good, I rarely get a chance to run wide open, usually chop keeps me in the low 30’s
I’d be interested if you ever want to sell your boat. I like the way you have it set up!
… maybe one day, if she ever goes up for sale I’ll make sure to post it on here.
Question- How strong is the door to the storage area/head? Especially when it is closed and someone is sitting on the forward seat while under way.
… first , no one should be seated in the bow of the boat while underway, safety first. The door is very sturdy and heavy, hence the added strut, have had to adjust the latch some over time.
@@SaltyStrikes Thanks for your reply on the sturdiness of the door. I am curious what you mean by no one should be seated in the bow of the boat while underway. The enclosed privacy compartment door has a seat on the outside. It would be perfectly safe to sit on that seat (on the outside) while under way. Not sure if my original message wasn’t clear and you thought I was suggesting someone would be sitting inside the privacy compartment while under way, which would not be safe… and kind of weird. Ha ha ha.
@@briangilson9704 … no one should sit forward of the center console while on plain. Watch “wavy boats” channel or “haulover inlet” channel, which will make things clear. One wrong wave and everyone in the front of the boat will wind up injured and in the back of the boat. Even the seat directly in-front of the head. th-cam.com/video/hH3nsTqdAd8/w-d-xo.html
@@SaltyStrikes totally agree in those conditions.
Nice walk threw.
… 🙏🏻👍
Do you regret having the 150 instead of the max 200 hp engine? Ty for the video
… I’m happy with the 150, not really sure if the few extra MPH is worth it, most of the time off shore you can’t top out anyway because of the chop.
could u explain how you put the rod holder up front in? i'm in a R180, and need to add some.
… find the spot you want to put the rod holder, I think I used a 2” hole saw. Drill at the angle the rod holder will be pointing. Shove it in pre drill screw holes, then install screws. Unscrew it take it back out and use 5200 sealant around the hole and re-install it.
@@SaltyStrikes awesome. i was just going to get clamp ons, but would prefer the clean look, and it doesnt mess with my Laporte's custom cover.
@@agentguerry … never have enough rod holders 👍
Where did you get the storage hatch you installed up front between the front seats? What size is it and does it have a liner in it or is it just open space below it.. thanks
… hatch link is in the description area, it’s just open space but you could easily fiberglass and gel coat it.
Try RMR 86 for mold remover
… thanks, we’ll give it a shot!
… we finally used the RMR 86 and it works amazing 👏👏👍
Hahaha reverse mullet. Great comparison.
How did you mount the shelf in the head door
I explained it in the video.
@@SaltyStrikes. I see the bar that holds the shelf in the front with the zip ties, but what holds the shelf on the back side
@@prof1ist just resting on the fiberglass mold, use cardboard like I said to make a template, then cut some starboard, shove it in and zip tie to secure.
You're probably too young, but I can't help to repeatedly say... "Follow Robalo" ...wonder why they don't use that chime anymore