Both the Key West 1520 CC 2009 and the Key West 166 SK 2011 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Key West 1520 CC 2009 at 15,0 ft versus Key West 166 SK 2011 at 16,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Key West 1520 CC 2009 tips the scales at 950 lbs - 150 lbs more than the Key West 166 SK 2011 at 800 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 80 hp, the Key West 1520 CC 2009 has a 30-hp advantage over the Key West 166 SK 2011's 50-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 4 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Key West 1520 CC 2009 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 16 lbs per hp for the Key West 166 SK 2011. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration - meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.