Frontier vs. Robalo Cayman 206

hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 11th, 2016, 10:30 pm

Alright, I know this question gets asked ALOT! But I value yalls expert opinions. So I'm trying to decide on my first bay boat. Whats yall thoughts; Frontier 2104 or Robalo Cayman 206. I know the Kenner name attached to the frontier almost says it all, but when comparing the fit, frills, finish of the Robalo its a much "prettier" boat. But I'm hung up on the longer frontier giving a better ride and being more stable on the water. does 21ft4in over 20ft6in really make that big a difference?

Post by **Flint River Pirate** » July 12th, 2016, 12:06 am

The Robalo is a very nice boat! I looked at a Cayman 206 this spring and I was very impressed. They are proud of them though!

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DAWG FAN · Post by **DAWG FAN** » July 12th, 2016, 9:30 am

For the money I would go Robalo. Like you said it is a prettier boat and the fit & finish on the Robalo is much better than the Frontier, IMO. The Robalo weighs around 300# more so draft will be a inch or two more.
I have looked at both, as I am boat shopping also, and prefer the Robalo.

Post by **salty tiger** » July 12th, 2016, 9:39 am

Here's a long thread on The Hull Truth about the Cayman.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-for ... hread.html

I have the Cayman 226 and have been very pleased with everything about the boat, except maybe draft. As Dawg Fan it's a heavy boat for it's size, but that weight transfers over to a better ride. It's not cheap, but you get a lot of boat for the money. Go to Mike's and have them take you out in one. I think you will be happy with how the boat performs.

hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 12th, 2016, 11:27 am

Thanks for the replies. I have read everything possible about both these boats. Only thing now is that it seems like they are identical in price! The robalo has the upfront pricing right on their web page so no question there. However I sat down with a guy at big bend marine on fri and priced out a frontier. With the yammy 150, Bimini top, 70lb ipilot, very modest sound system, midrange price garmin, upgraded leaning post with the removable back rest, trim tabs and swim platform, it's was literally within $500 of the robalo price with basically the same features(minus the trim tabs on robalo). Does that seem right to y'all? Frontier seems kinda secretive on there pricing so it's hard to find what is a "fair" price!

mpa_72001 · Post by **mpa_72001** » July 12th, 2016, 8:58 pm

I'd price the robalo at Mikes marine to i believe they carry them and tell them the price you got on the Frontier. Mike Jr will give u a great price too.

hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 12th, 2016, 10:04 pm

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it. So mikes is on 98 just outside panacea, correct?

Anybody got any experience on the frontier 2104 at all? All I keep reading is thst it's a super dry ride. And momma don't like getting sea spray on her.

Maybe I'm putting too much thought in it, but everything I read says the longer the boat the better. Finances won't allow a 22 fter and Maybe the 8in differance between the frontier and robalo won't make a difference in the ride.

Seems like there are ALOT of happy robalo owners out there.

mpa_72001 · Post by **mpa_72001** » July 12th, 2016, 11:58 pm

Yeah Mikes is on 98 in panacea 984-5637

DAWG FAN · Post by **DAWG FAN** » July 13th, 2016, 9:05 am

I don't think the 8" will be a noticeable difference in ride or spray. The tabs will help keep the bow up and any potential spray thrown to the rear of the boat behind the driver.

hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 13th, 2016, 5:21 pm

I really appreciate y'all taking the time and throwing in your opinion.

I know robalo claims with their hull design you really don't need trim tabs; but it sounds like y'all reccommend them. Does it make a big differance. I've never been on a boat that has them.

hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 13th, 2016, 5:22 pm

Hey dawg fan. Just noticed your signature profile. You live in Dawson. I'm in Albany.

Post by **Flint River Pirate** » July 13th, 2016, 6:39 pm

Hardhead are you looking at Huggins?

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hardhead · Post by **hardhead** » July 13th, 2016, 9:56 pm

Alright! another Albanian.

FR Pirate, I have looked at Huggins. I've crawled all over the cayman206. I like the way it sets up. Just trying to make the best purchase. This is a big investment for me and just trying to be wise about it.

I assume being around lake blackshear and the flint you fish there a good bit too. Do you use the same boat for fresh and salt.

Post by **Flint River Pirate** » July 13th, 2016, 10:12 pm

Post by **silverking** » July 14th, 2016, 12:09 am

hardhead wrote:I really appreciate y'all taking the time and throwing in your opinion.

I know robalo claims with their hull design you really don't need trim tabs; but it sounds like y'all reccommend them. Does it make a big differance. I've never been on a boat that has them.

EVERY boat can benefit from having trim tabs. Invaluable for adjusting to sea state, load and improve planing attitude. I wouldn't own a boat without tabs and I test boats for a living.

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