Both the Key West 166 SK 2010 and the Key West 177 SK 2012 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 166 SK 2010 at 16,0 ft versus Key West 177 SK 2012 at 17,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Key West 177 SK 2012 tips the scales at 1 100 lbs - 300 lbs less than the Key West 166 SK 2010 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 90 hp, the Key West 177 SK 2012 has a 40-hp advantage over the Key West 166 SK 2010's 50-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
The Key West 166 SK 2010 is rated for up to 4 people. Passenger data for the Key West 177 SK 2012 wasn't available.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Key West 177 SK 2012 comes in at 12 lbs per hp versus 16 lbs per hp for the Key West 166 SK 2010. 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.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Key West 177 SK 2012 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Key West 166 SK 2010 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.