1981 Robalo

Jim13

Seaman
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
72
I have a chance to pick up a 1981 21' Robalo with a 1987 200 Johnson for a fair price, but I know absolutely NOTHING about the boat or engine.
I tried to research the boat but can find no info on it. Can you guys point me in the right direction?

How is the reputation?
Is this a decent boat or was it problematic?
Anything in particular I should look for?

Thanks,

Jim
 

alamosaddles

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2008
Messages
104
Re: 1981 Robalo

I have a chance to pick up a 1981 21' Robalo with a 1987 200 Johnson for a fair price, but I know absolutely NOTHING about the boat or engine.
I tried to research the boat but can find no info on it. Can you guys point me in the right direction?

How is the reputation?
Is this a decent boat or was it problematic?
Anything in particular I should look for?

Thanks,

Jim

This should help you

http://www.robaloboatowners.com/
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: 1981 Robalo

Nice boat. However, to me that price seems a bit high. I think that price would be more appropriate on a boat that has been well maintained which this one does not appear to be. I would check it VERY carefully for rot. Otherwise though I think if you could get some money knocked off it, it could be a good buy. Bust out some teak cleaner and some elbow grease :)
 

Jim13

Seaman
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
72
Re: 1981 Robalo

Thanks for the reply.
The owner is actually interested in trading for my 17' sprint Fish and ski. It is a 98 and in decent but not perfect condition with a 115 Johnson on it.
I looked up the NADA value on both boats and they are within around $1000 of each other but his has some electronic gear, and down riggers I could not add into the equation.

What and where should I look for rot?
The elbow grease I have in plenty. Me and my wife are both willing and look forward to tackeling this project. I just want to be a little better informed when I actually go look at the boat.
 

haskindm

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2008
Messages
255
Re: 1981 Robalo

Robalo's are very good boats with an excellent reputation, however ANY used boat is only as good as the care that it has received. An excellent new boat can be a lousy used boat if not properly maintained, and a mediocre new boat can be a fantastic used boat if it has been well cared for. Read some of the used boat horror stories on this forum to get an idea of what can happen. Hiring a knowledgeble person to check out the boat for you may save thousands of dollars in the long run. If you don't know of anyone, look for a Marine Surveyor, it may be a few hundred dolars well spent. Remember the boat is 27 years old and used in a harsh (marine) environment.
 

Jim13

Seaman
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
72
Re: 1981 Robalo

Thanks to all who replied.

I looked at the boat in person tonight and we are going to take them to the lake next Friday to test drive them. If it does well, its coming home with me.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1981 Robalo

if the vro pump on the motor has not been upgraded to the new OMS pump, i would definately do that. or go to premixed fuel.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
 

Jim13

Seaman
Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
72
Re: 1981 Robalo

Wow, fantastic info here.

What is a VRO pump and what is a OMS?
 
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