Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Robalo R180 2012 vs Robalo R242EX 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Robalo R180 2012 vs Robalo R242EX 2022 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 R242EX 2022 has a 150-hp advantage over the Robalo R180 2012's 150-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Robalo R180 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Robalo R242EX 2022 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Robalo R180 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Robalo R180 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 18,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Robalo R242EX 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeRobalo
Makenot available
ModelR18
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m) With T-Top: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.38 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise18℃
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail11 in. (28 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.28
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches11
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail27 in. (69 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.69
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches27
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail2,600 lbs. (1,179 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1179.34
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.26
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet18.33
Length - Feet24
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.59 m)
Length overall - Detail24.00 ft
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches288
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower300 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people8 / 1,200 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower