One can not cruise along the ICW from Florida to Maryland without discovering that one of the most ubiquitous center console brands on the water is Key West. To some degree this is probably because of her competitive price point and the location of her plants (South Carolina) but as we were to discover when we drilled down into the brand, Key West boats have much more going for them than price and location. And that is undoubtedly why a number of high-profile and respected dealers in the Northeast have taken on the line.
Key Features
No wood-no rot construction
Ten (10) year hull warranty
Self-bailing cockpit
High speed pick-up livewell
Foam injected fiberglass stringer system
Bow and rear casting decks
Tinted windshield with stainless steel grab rail
4 stainless steel trolling rod holders with integrated drain
Molded in swim platform with telescoping 3 step ladder
Specifications
Key West 203FS (2013-) Specifications
Length Overall
20' 3'' 6.17 m
Dry Weight
1,900 lbs. 861 kg
Beam
8' 2. 44 m
Tested Weight
N/A
Draft
12'' 0.30 m
Fuel Cap
60 gal. 227 L
Deadrise/Transom
19 deg.
Water Cap
N/A
Max Headroom
open
Bridge Clearance
N/A
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
The Key West 203 FS (for Family Sportsman) center console is intended to appeal to the whole family for a variety of purposes, not just fishing. To that end she has a "changing room" in her console that can fit a Porta-Potti, has padded bolsters around the gunwales, and has a padded bench seat across the transom. Both this seat and the bow platforms can be used for sunbathing.
The Key West 203 FS was introduced last year and is equipped with amenities to make her more family-friendly than the average center console.
Most important the Key West 203 FS is well-built and well-equipped for a boat at her price point. While she is marketed as a family sportsman, she has virtually all of the equipment an avid inshore or coastal angler could want.
Women and kids will like the "changing room" in the console which can be fitted with a portable head. It's obviously tight but better than nothing.
Snapshot Review
Construction. The Key West 203 FS appears to be built using conventional boating industry practices and modern materials. For example, no wood is employed in the transom, stringers or anywhere else in the boat. She has a molded fiberglass inner liner and the cockpit is self-bailing. The boat is foam filled and is said on the builder's website to have "positive level and upright flotation" when swamped.
Standard Features. The 203 FS has more than mere basic standard features, including an anchor, compass, raw water washdown kit, livewell with high speed pick up, cockpit bolsters, padded aft bench seat and cooler helm seat among other things.
The 203FS's helm console is clean and simple with plenty of real estate for nav screens. A SeaStar hydraulic steering is standard.
This flip-flop cooler and seat with back rest is standard.
Performance. We have not tested the Key West 203 FS but the folks at Yamaha have. According to the Yamaha techs when powered by the 115-hp Yamaha F-115 XA 4-stroke engine the boat has a top speed of 39.4 mph at 5950 rpm with a 13-1/4" x 16" prop. Best cruise was said to be at 4000 rpm, where the boat went 24.1 mph and burned 4.7 gph.
Powered with a F-150 XA Yamaha 4-stroke turning a 13-3/4" x 19" prop, the company's techs report a WOT speed of 48.6 mph at 5900 rpm. Best cruise was said to be at 3000 rpm where the boat went 20.3 mph burning 4.3 gph.
Power options. The boat is rated up to 200-hp and Key West will rig the boat for any of the five major outboard brands.
There is a wide bench seat with padded backrest across the transom that can comfortably seat three people. Storage is underneath.
Warranty. The boat has a 10-year hull warranty.
Pricing
The MSRP of the 203FS powered with the F-115 Yamaha is $32,800. Powered by the F-150 the suggest retail price is $36,300, and $42,275 with the F-200 XA 4-stroke. The standard 203 FS with pre-rig lists at $20,865.
Standard and Optional Equipment
Key West 203FS (2013-) Standard and Optional Equipment
Marine Electronics
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Canvas
Bimini Top
= Standard = Optional
Key West 203FS (2013-) Warranty
Key West 203FS (2013-) Warranty Information
Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.
Hull Warranty
Years
10 year
Key West 203FS (2013-) Price
Key West 203FS (2013-) Price
Base Price (MSRP)
$32,800.00
Price as Tested
N/A
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
Members must log in to view the test results section.
