A marine-industry leader since 1968 and sister brand to Chaparral, fishing-minded Robalo is known for its heavy-duty construction, superb ride and cutting-edge innovation.
Robalo builds center-console, dual-console and bay boats at its 1.25 million-square-foot facility in Nashville, Georgia. Its HydroLift hull designs feature Kevlar-reinforced hull material.
All 2022 models feature upholstery material made from 100 percent SiO silicone, a very pure form of silicone that, unlike conventional marine seating, is free of chemical additives. Nearly maintenance-free, it is durable, resists scuffs and scratches, and creates a soft and comfortable marine-seating surface.
Robalo R266 Cayman
Balancing comfort and fishability, the Robalo R266 Cayman features bow and aft seating areas that convert to massive casting platforms.
Robalo’s biggest bay boat, the R266 Cayman is at home both inshore and, when weather permits, offshore. Rather than the integrated brackets common on bay boats, the R266 houses a single outboard up to 425 hp on a shallows-friendly jack plate within a motor well, adding a bit of security in following seas. Swim platforms flank the outboard.
Beneath the standard T-top—which is wrapped by front and side windshield glass—the roomy helm provides space for up to two 12-inch Simrad displays, and is served by stainless-steel, LED-illuminated push-button switches.
Standard is the hydraulic jack plate; lockable rod storage beneath bow seating; a 20-gallon bow-center insulated livewell, a 45-gallon forward-starboard insulated fish box, and twin 30-gallon aft insulated livewells/fish boxes with pumps; LED lighting and a blue-gelcoat finish; and adjustable flow valves and a plexiglass divider.
This fishing boat also features comfort touches including stowable backrests on the forward U-shaped seating, a double-wide seat that folds out from the aft casting platform, and room for a marine head beyond the console’s forward door.
Manufacturer’s Remark
The 266 Cayman is the perfect blend of hardcore fishability and family creature comforts.
Performance Data
- Test Power: Yamaha 2.6 L 425 XTO Offshore
- Test Props: 20P XTO
- Test Load: 7,480 lb., incl. two people, 68 gal. fuel
- Test Speed: 55 mph @ 5,900 rpm
- Max Range: 346 mi. @ 35 mph, 3,500 rpm
Specs
| LOA: | 26’9″ |
|---|---|
| Beam: | 9’4″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 110 gal. |
| Dry Weight: | 5,400 lb. plus power |
| Max HP: | 425 |
| Certifications: | NMMA |
Editor Says
Unlike bay boats with integrated outboard-engine brackets, the R266 comes with a splash well, which I like because it minimizes the chances of following seas slopping onto the deck. I also like the twin 30-gallon livewells with clear acrylic dividers flanking the aft platform, and the 20-gallon under the bow deck. – Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Fishing Group
