2018 Robalo R242 — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $55,000–$80,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
A well-built, versatile center console that fishes hard yet keeps the family comfortable — Robalo (built by the Chaparral group) offers strong value and quality in the mid-size CC class. The big outboard's hours and health, salt-use corrosion, and electronics are the inspection. A documented, well-flushed R242 is a capable, good-value fish-and-family boat; verify the outboard service and salt history.
Known Issues for the 2018 Robalo R242
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
Verify outboard hours, compression, and service history.
Repair cost range: $1,000-$12,000+
Verify flushing and inspect the powerhead, hardware, wiring, and electronics for corrosion.
Repair cost range: Varies
Verify the electronics, wiring, livewell, and pumps function.
Repair cost range: $300-$5,000
Inspect the hull, transom, and gelcoat; consider a survey on a bigger CC.
Repair cost range: $200-$3,000
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗High-hour/neglected outboard
- ✗Salt corrosion / no flushing
- ✗Dead/corroded electronics
- ✗Storm/impact damage
Good Signs
- ✓Serviced outboard, strong compression
- ✓Flushed use, minimal corrosion
- ✓Working electronics, sound hull
Found a specific Robalo R242?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2018 Robalo R242 in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.