Key West Boats: Worthy Watercraft Or Not?

Key West boats are a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts, with models like the 263FS, 219FS, and 239 offering a range of features tailored to anglers. The brand has a mixed reputation, with some praising its quality and performance, while others criticise its construction and durability. The boats are often described as entry-level and middle-of-the-road, with a focus on looks rather than serious functionality. However, Key West's customer service has been commended for its responsiveness and willingness to address issues.

Key West 263FS is a serious centre console fishing boat

The Key West 263FS is a serious centre console fishing boat, packed with features that make it an attractive option for anglers. With a length of 26'3", a beam of 9'3"*,* and a weight of 4600 lbs, the 263FS offers a smooth and comfortable ride, even in choppy waters.

One of the standout features of the 263FS is its unusual bow seating arrangement. The moulded-in backrests curve out from the gunwales, providing exceptional comfort without sacrificing fishing space. The flanking and forward bow seats are spacious, allowing anglers to use them as elevated casting decks. The boat also comes with forward seat cushions, which can be removed to create more room for casting.

The 263FS is a fishing boat through and through, boasting an impressive array of fishing features. It has 22 rod holders, twin live wells, an in-floor macerated fish box, and horizontal storage racks under the gunwales. Additionally, it includes a livewell in the transom, a slide-out cooler, tackle storage, gunwale bolsters, and a standard windlass hidden under the bow deck.

Another unique feature of the 263FS is its side gunwale door with a hidden telescopic ladder. This not only makes entering the boat from the water easier but also enhances safety for solo anglers. The boat's construction is solid and built to last, with a composite structure and a T-top that provides rigidity and stability.

The Key West 263FS delivers on both performance and comfort. With a maximum power of 600 horsepower, it can reach speeds in the 40-mph range with a 300-horsepower engine. The efficiency of the boat is also impressive, offering fuel savings and a smooth ride. The 263FS is an excellent choice for bay and ocean anglers seeking a feature-rich and comfortable fishing experience.

Key West boats are not oriented towards serious use

While the Key West 219FS is praised for its copious light-tackle casting deck space, surprisingly smooth ride, and neck-snapping acceleration and performance, some users have expressed concerns about the quality and durability of Key West boats in general. One user, in particular, describes them as "middle-of-the-road boats" that are "not oriented towards serious use." This assessment is based on the observation that the construction is light and the features seem to prioritize aesthetics over functionality.

The same user goes on to describe their ideal boat as "simple, functional, seaworthy, and built like a tank." They suggest that spending time examining serious fishing boats will help put into perspective the differences between those and the Key West boats. This perspective highlights a critical distinction between boats designed for recreational use and those built for more demanding or specialized purposes.

While some owners of Key West boats have reported satisfaction with their purchases, particularly for fishing and leisure activities, it is important to recognize the limitations of these vessels. They may not be suitable for extended use or more challenging conditions. For those seeking a basic boat for casual outings, a Key West boat could suffice. However, for those with more specific or rigorous requirements, investing in a boat designed with those needs in mind is essential.

It is worth noting that the user expressing concerns about Key West boats also mentions the presence of wood in some boat constructions, which can rot over time. They suggest that well-maintained wood can be stronger than cheap, mass-marketed alternatives. This attention to construction materials and methods underscores the importance of diligent research and consideration of various factors when purchasing a boat.

In summary, while Key West boats may be adequate for casual or recreational use, they are not designed for serious or intensive boating activities. Their features and construction reflect a focus on aesthetics and affordability rather than durability and specialized functionality. For buyers seeking a boat for demanding tasks or extended use, investing in a vessel designed with those specific requirements in mind is crucial.

Key West 219FS offers a smooth ride for a 21-footer

The Key West 219FS is a powerboat built by Key West. It is a center console vessel typically used for day-cruising and saltwater or freshwater fishing. The boat is built with a fiberglass modified-vee and an outboard.

The Key West 219FS offers a smooth ride for a 21-footer. The hull performs and rides better than expected for a boat of its size. The 175 on the transom will propel the boat to cruise in the upper 30s and to a top-end speed in the mid-40s. From a standstill, the boat takes off quickly. While it is possible to launch and slam in big seas, using the throttle judiciously will keep the boat in the water and provide a smooth and dry ride in a stiff Bay chop.

The Key West 219FS has a spacious front deck that can switch between comfortable forward-facing seating with backrests and twin dry storage or fish boxes. The console houses a large changing room that doubles as storage space. The dash panel can flush mount up to 12" screens, and most radios, gauges, and controls. The rear bench seat has fully lined storage areas underneath, and the swinging transom door offers easy entry for swimmers.

The boat has a self-bailing cockpit, a centered aerated live well, and a molded-in fiberglass swim platform with a ladder. It also features a deluxe console with a windshield and a stainless steel grab rail. The spacious console has a light, which is ideal for a head. There is a power outlet plug on the dash and four stainless-steel rod holders with a drain. The boat also has gunwale rod storage for 8' rods and a foam-injected fiberglass stringer system.

The Key West 219FS is a great choice for those seeking a smooth ride and excellent performance in a 21-foot boat. With its spacious deck, ample storage, and fishing features, it is well-suited for both fishing trips and family outings.

Key West 239 is a comfortable, beamy boat

The Key West 239 is a comfortable, beamy boat. It is a big, beamy, comfortable vessel with unrestricted space either side of the console to move around. It has a roomy bow with enough space to swing a cat or the wide lasso of a fly fishing outfit.

The Key West 239 is also the largest and most luxurious of the dual console designs. It is loaded with amenities for comfort and performance, like the built-in hardtop, comfortable bow seating, a wraparound bench seat in the cockpit, a sink with storage, and a standard potty room in the console. It is also self-bailing and foamed to provide upright and level flotation, making it one of the safest family-friendly boats on the market.

The Key West 239 is designed for the active family and water sports enthusiasts. It is equipped with a built-in swim ladder that is connected with a swinging entry door, offering easy boarding for water sports enthusiasts. It also has a jacking plate to get the boat into shallow water by lifting the engine, and a 10ft power pole to anchor the boat silently in up to 10ft of water.

The construction of the hull follows a traditional but timber-free mix of a hand-laid and chopper gun layup using the best quality matting and resin. The foam floatation is kept separate from the hull to prevent it from expanding and causing ripples in the gelcoat. The stringer system alone gives the boat its strength and rigidity, and the area around the keel line is kept free of foam so that the boat will not sink if swamped.

The Key West 239 is a comfortable, beamy boat with plenty of space and features that make it ideal for families, water sports enthusiasts, and occasional fishing trips.

Key West boats have good customer service

Key West boats have a mixed reputation when it comes to quality, with some customers reporting issues with their boats, while others have praised the company's customer service. In one instance, a customer who purchased a 2021 Key West 239 DFS boat experienced several issues, including cracks in the deck and gel coat, water intrusion into the hull, and a non-functioning Garmin GPS. Despite these problems, Key West's customer service stepped up and provided excellent support by building a new boat for the customer. This example demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing issues and ensuring customer satisfaction.

On the other hand, some customers have expressed concerns about the quality of Key West boats. One forum user described Key West boats as "middle-of-the-road," suggesting that they are comparable to 90% of the boats on the market today, which he considers to be low quality and overpriced. This customer's perspective highlights the importance of thorough research and test rides before making a purchase decision.

However, other customers have shared positive experiences with their Key West boats. One owner of a 2005 20' KW CC boat expressed happiness with their purchase, praising the construction, amenities, and shallow water capabilities of the boat. They also noted that while rough rides can be expected in challenging conditions, the boat performs well in reasonable ocean weather.

Another customer, who owns a Key West 263FS, highlighted the exceptional fishing features of the boat, including ample rod holders, a livewell, storage compartments, and a side gunwale door with a telescopic ladder, enhancing safety for solo anglers. This customer's experience showcases the thoughtful design and functionality that Key West boats offer for fishing enthusiasts.

Overall, while there may be varying opinions on the quality of Key West boats, their customer service has been recognised as responsive and dedicated to resolving issues. It is always recommended to conduct thorough research, seek out reviews, and, if possible, test out the boats before making a purchase decision.

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