The Robalo Boats R180 is a new model that follows an old Robalo formula: built a stout, heavy boat for the LOA, give it lots of deadrise, and make every component tough. Net result? An 18-footer than rides and feels like a significantly larger boat.

robalo boats center console 18

The R180 offer big capability in a small package - and at a reasonable price.



The R180 tips the scales at an eyebrow-raising 2,600-lbs. That’s a whopping 500 to 1,000 lbs. more than most competing 18 foot boats, and all that mass gives this boat a unique ability to bully waves out of its way. Part of all that heft comes from Robalo’s overbuild-it construction techniques, which include a hand-laid hull, molded fiberglass stringers, and welded stainless-steel rails. But the stocky feel is matched by a stocky design, with high gunwales and a tall bow that will provide a feeling of safety, especially when kids are aboard. The down-side to those tall sides and beefy construction? More windage, a heavier tow, and less speed and fuel economy than lighter, shorter boats with less weight. For those of us who prefer a rock-solid feeling underfoot, it seems like the tradeoff is more than worth it.

Robalo 180 specificationsPricing is another high point for this model. With a trailer and 115 Yamaha four-stroke, the R180 features a “no haggle” price tag of $26,220. And that’s well-equipped, with a 15-gallon livewell, an anodized aluminum leaning post, hydraulic steering, vertical rodracks for six rigs, four gunwale-mounted rodholders, and coaming bolsters. Need help convincing other family members that this is a good buy? Remind Mom or anyone else that this is one of the smallest, least expensive boat-motor-trailer packages around that comes with a center console head compartment. I was shocked at how easy it was to enter the head—in most boats this small, even a skinny guy like me has to contort a bit to enter the console—but in this case the entire front of the console swings open.

The bottom line? This is one of the biggest 18-footers on the water. And while it might be a new model, Robalo’s heavy-duty attitude comes through in spades. Short, stocky, rugged spades.

For more information, visit Robalo Boats.

-Lenny Rudow

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.