Key West Boats for Sale
Key West has built saltwater center consoles in South Carolina since 1986. They're a common first salt boat and a common used buy along the East and Gulf Coasts, because they're simple and priced for regular families.
Started with someone else's molds
Hutch Holseberg started Key West Boats in 1986 in Ridgeville, South Carolina, building from molds that had belonged to Citation Boats, by then out of business. Dale Martin was a co-founder and sold his interest in 2003.
The company's timeline goes like this:
- 1988: the 1700, the first boat with the Key West name.
- 1989 and 1990: the 1800CC and 1500CC.
- 1992: the 1720CC, the boat Key West says put it on the map.
- 1993: the 1760 Stealth, a shallow-water fishing boat.
- 1994: the 2000WA walkaround, Key West's first blue-water boat.
- 1995: the 2300CC, the first twin-engine Key West, followed by the 2300WA.
- 1996: the 196CC, which led to the 2020CC and 2020DC.
Reading the model names
Key West model numbers are mostly length plus layout. The letters tell you what kind of boat it is: CC for center console, DC for dual console, WA for walkaround. The first two digits usually give you the length in feet.
Spec sheet: the 239 FS
The 239 FS is the Key West model built for families who also fish. Key West lists it at 23'9" with an 8'6" beam and a 14-inch draft. It weighs 2,700 lbs, carries 100 gallons of fuel and holds 9 people. Max power is 300 hp, though the builder recommends 200 to 250 hp. The hull has a stepped bottom with a 19/24-degree deadrise.
Standard equipment includes a 10-year hull warranty, a no-wood build and a foam-injected fiberglass stringer system. There's also a centered aerated livewell, a macerated forward fish box and 12-inch trim tabs.
A 10-year hull warranty may not pass to a second owner. Ask Key West or a dealer about transfer before you count on it.
What to check on a used Key West
Saltwater wear. Most Key Wests live in salt. Look at the trailer frame, axles and brakes, the outboard mounting bolts, and every electrical connection for corrosion. Ask if the engine was flushed after use.
Outboard. Key Wests are outboard powered, so most of the value is in the engine. Get the hours and records, and have a mechanic check compression and the lower unit.
Transom and stringers. On older boats, check for soft spots in the deck and cracks around the transom. Push on the engine and look for flex.
Console and T-top. Look for cracks where the console and T-top mount to the deck, and check the welds on the T-top frame.
Livewell and pumps. Run the livewell, bilge and washdown pumps.
Fuel tank. On older boats, ask about the fuel tank. Aluminum tanks can corrode under the deck.
Water test. Run it in the kind of water you plan to fish. Smaller Key Wests are inshore boats; the bigger twins are the ones built for offshore.
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Frequently asked questions
Where are Key West boats made?
Ridgeville, South Carolina.
Who founded Key West Boats?
Hutch Holseberg, with co-founder Dale Martin, in 1986.
What is the most popular Key West?
The company says the 1720CC, introduced in 1992, is the model that put it on the map.
What does CC mean on a Key West?
Center console. DC is dual console and WA is walkaround.