The Robalo 240 Center Console 2014 vs Robalo R302 Center Console 2017 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Robalo R302 Center Console 2017 has a 150-hp advantage over the Robalo 240 Center Console 2014's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Robalo 240 Center Console 2014 carries 16 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Robalo R302 Center Console 2017. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Robalo R302 Center Console 2017 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Robalo 240 Center Console 2014 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Robalo R302 Center Console 2017 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Robalo R302 Center Console 2017 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Robalo 240 Center Console 2014 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.