Key West 19-Foot Boat: Worth The Buy?

Key West is a South Carolina-based, family-owned boat manufacturing company that was founded in 1986. The company aims to build good-quality boats at a reasonable price. While Key West boats are not top-tier, they are known for their build quality and competitive pricing for family-friendly, saltwater and freshwater fishing boats. The boats are made from hand-laid fibreglass sheets, composite materials and foam, and the company claims that their vessels are virtually unsinkable.

Reviews for Key West boats are mixed. Some users have praised the boats' durability, reliability, and safety features, while others have complained about issues such as cracks, water leaks, and problems with the GPS.

In this paragraph, we will explore the features, pros, and cons of the 19-foot Key West boat and evaluate whether it is a good choice for consumers in the market for a watercraft.

Key West boats are built to last

The boats are constructed by some of the most skilled craftsmen and boat builders in the industry, using only the finest materials and building methods. As a result, a Key West boat should last around 50 years with proper care and maintenance. The boats are made from hand-laid fiberglass sheets combined with composite materials, and there is foam throughout to aid with flotation. This means that the boats will remain upright even in the worst conditions and are virtually unsinkable.

Key West boats are also known for their 'No-Wood, No-Rot Construction', which makes them strong, lightweight, and durable. The sturdy fiberglass hull can withstand both freshwater and saltwater conditions. The company offers a limited 10-year hull warranty, demonstrating their confidence in the durability of their boats.

In addition to their durability, Key West boats are also known for their versatility. The company offers a range of models, including Family Sportsman, Bay Reef, Center Console, and Dual Console boats, ensuring that there is a boat to suit every boating style and preference, whether it be fishing, watersports, or cruising.

While some contributors have complained about a 'wet ride', overall, Key West boats are known for their quality build and good pricing. With proper care and maintenance, a Key West boat can provide many years of enjoyable boating experiences for you and your family.

The company's customer service

Key West Boats is a South Carolina-based, family-owned boat manufacturing company that was founded in 1986. The company's goal is to create high-quality boats at a reasonable price for its customers. They offer a range of Family Sportsman, Bay Reef, Center Console, and Dual Console boats.

While Key West Boats are not considered top-tier, they are known for their build quality and competitive pricing for family-friendly, saltwater, and freshwater fishing boats. The company has a strong network of dealerships and offers a limited 10-year hull warranty, as well as a 1-year warranty on factory-installed non-structural parts.

In terms of customer service, there have been mixed reviews. Some customers have praised the company's customer service, stating that Key West Boats took care of their concerns and did everything to rectify their complaints. Others have expressed frustration with the quality of their boats, reporting issues such as cracks on the deck and gel coat, water leakage, and GPS malfunctions.

One customer shared their experience of purchasing a 2021 Key West 239 DFS, which had several issues. Despite multiple attempts at repairs, the problems persisted. This customer acknowledged the good customer service they received but ultimately recommended that others avoid buying a Key West boat due to quality concerns.

Overall, while Key West Boats generally receives positive feedback for its customer service, there have been instances where customers have encountered challenges with the quality of their boats.

The boats' suitability for families

Key West Boats are a great choice for families. The company was founded in 1986 with the goal of building high-quality boats at reasonable prices, and their range of Center Console (CC), Dual Console (DC), and Walk Around models offers something for every boating style and preference, including fishing, watersports, and cruising.

The 189 Family Sportsman, for example, is a family-oriented center console boat with a focus on water sports. This versatile boat can be used for water skiing, tubing, or just cruising around on the water. The 210 Bow Rider is another family-friendly option, with features like fold-away jump seats in the rear deck and generous cup holders throughout.

The durability of Key West Boats also makes them a good choice for families. The boats are built by hand-laying fiberglass sheets combined with composite materials and have foam throughout to help with flotation, making them virtually unsinkable. In fact, Key West Boats offers a limited 10-year hull warranty in addition to a 1-year warranty on any factory-installed non-structural parts. With good care and maintenance, a Key West Boat can last around 50 years.

Additionally, the resale value of Key West Boats is among the best in the market, so you can be confident that you're making a wise investment. The company's commitment to using high-quality materials and construction techniques means that their boats hold their value well and continue to appeal to a wide range of users even after years of use.

Overall, Key West Boats offer a range of family-friendly options that are built to last and provide a safe and enjoyable boating experience for years to come.

The boats' resale value

The Boats Resale Value

Key West boats have a high resale value. This is due to their strong, lightweight, and durable construction, which is a result of the high-quality materials and advanced building techniques used in their manufacturing. The boats are made from hand-laid fiberglass sheets, composite materials, and foam, which helps with flotation. This makes the boats virtually unsinkable, as they will remain upright even in the worst conditions. The absence of wood in their construction also ensures that they last longer and do not rot.

The diverse designs and sizes of Key West boats, ranging from 17 to 26 feet, also contribute to their high resale value. Whether you're a serious fisherman, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a boat to cruise with family and friends, Key West offers a variety of models to choose from. Their boats are also suitable for both freshwater and saltwater conditions, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers.

The company's strong network of dealerships and customer-centric approach further enhance the resale value of their boats. Key West offers a limited 10-year hull warranty and a 1-year warranty on factory-installed non-structural parts. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and after-sales service gives buyers peace of mind and adds to the overall value of their boats.

While some owners have reported issues with their Key West boats, such as cracks in the deck and problems with the Garmin GPS, these seem to be isolated cases. Overall, the majority of users are happy with their purchase and appreciate the durability, reliability, and performance of their Key West boats.

When compared to similar boats in the market, Key West boats offer a great balance of quality and pricing. They are known for providing good value for money, which makes them a popular choice for buyers looking for a reliable and affordable option.

In conclusion, the resale value of Key West boats is high due to their superior construction, diverse designs, customer-centric approach, and competitive pricing. Their boats are built to last and offer a great boating experience for individuals, families, and enthusiasts alike.

How the boats compare to competitors

Key West boats are not top-tier boats, but they are known for their build quality and good pricing for family-friendly, saltwater and freshwater fishing boats. The company aims to build high-quality boats at a reasonable price for customers. Users have reviewed their boats as one of the best in the market.

The boats are frequently cited as one of the greatest choices for boaters trying to get the most for their money. The boats are strong, light, and durable, which are all key features buyers look for. The boats are made with premium materials and are promised to last longer.

The boats are comparable to the following brands:

• Boston Whaler: Offers a range of 5 models, including the SuperSport and the Montauk. They are known for their classic boats under 20 feet in length, but sizes now range from 11 to 42 feet.
• Edgewater: Known for their serious fishing capabilities and practical features. They are also known for their strength, reliability, and durability for handling open waters.
• Grady White: Established in 1959, they have a long history of building innovative center consoles, dual consoles, and cabin boats. They also have a reputation for offering a high level of customer service.
• Pursuit: Builds no-wood boats known for their hull strength, which is reinforced with a fiberglass stringer system. They build a range of center console, dual console, sport, and offshore boats.
• Sea Hunt: Offers a range of affordable center console and bay boats suitable for fresh and saltwater. They are close competitors to Key West, with an extensive network of dealers.

Key West boats offer good quality, well-built boats suitable for serious fishermen, water sport enthusiasts, or cruising with family and friends.

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