Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Key West 1520 CC 2011 vs Key West 197 SK 2012 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Key West 1520 CC 2011 and the Key West 197 SK 2012 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 115 hp, the Key West 197 SK 2012 has a 35-hp advantage over the Key West 1520 CC 2011's 80-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Key West 197 SK 2012 carries 19 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Key West 1520 CC 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Key West 1520 CC 2011 is rated for up to 4 people. Passenger data for the Key West 197 SK 2012 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Key West 197 SK 2012 at 19,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Key West 1520 CC 2011 at 15,2 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
Model Year2011
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam6 ft. 10 in. (2.1 m)
Beam7 ft. (2.13 m)
Beam - Meters2.08
Beam - Meters2.13
Beam - Inches82
Beam - Inches84
Deadrise10℃
Deadrise2℃
Draft [max] - Detail7 in. (0.2 m)
Draft [max] - Detail4 - 8 in. (0.1 - 0.2 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.18
Draft [max] - Meters0.2
Draft [max] - Inches7
Draft [max] - Inches8
Weight - Detail950 lbs. (431 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg430.91
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.95
Weight - lbs.not available
Width [transom] - Detail20 in. (0.5 m)
Width [transom] - Detail20 / 25 in. (0.5 / 0.6 m)
Length - Feet15.17
Length - Feet19.33
Length overall - Detail15 ft. 2 in. (4.62 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters4.62
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches182
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]19 ft. 4 in. (5.9 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (76 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters75.71
Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal19
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
HorsepowerRecommended: 50 - 70 hp (37 - 52 kW)
HorsepowerRecommended 70 - 90 kW (52 - 67 kW)
Engine max80 hp (60 kW)
Engine max115 hp (86 kW)