Key West 177 SK 2013 vs Key West 197 SK 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Key West 177 SK 2013 or the Key West 197 SK 2011?

The Key West 197 SK 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,3 feet overall. The Key West 177 SK 2013 comes in at 17,3 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Key West 197 SK 2011 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 177 SK 2013 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011 share an 7 ft. (2.13 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 19 gallons and 19 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Key West 177 SK 2013 and the Key West 197 SK 2011 are built by Key West. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Key West 177 SK 2013 vs Key West 197 SK 2011

Key West

Key West 177 SK 2013

2013

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Key West

Key West 197 SK 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Key West 177 SK 2013 vs Key West 197 SK 2011 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Key West 177 SK 2013 and the Key West 197 SK 2011 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 2011 has a 25-hp advantage over the Key West 177 SK 2013's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 19 gal and 19 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Key West 197 SK 2011 and its 115-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Key West 177 SK 2013 with its 90-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeKey West

Model177 SK

Model197 SK

Model Year2013

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. (2.13 m)

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Inches84

Deadrise1.5℃

Deadrise2℃

Draft [max] - Detail4 - 8 in. (0.1 - 0.2 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.2

Draft [max] - Inches8

Weight - Detail1,100 lbs. (499 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg498.95

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.11

Weight - lbs.not available

Width [transom] - Detail20 / 25 in. (0.5 / 0.6 m)

Length - Feet17.33

Length - Feet19.33

Length [over all with swim platform]17 ft. 4 in. (5.3 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]19 ft. 4 in. (5.9 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

HorsepowerRecommended: 50 - 60 hp (37 - 45 kW)

HorsepowerRecommended 70 - 90 kW (52 - 67 kW)

Engine max90 hp (67 kW)

Engine max115 hp (86 kW)

Key West 177 SK 2013 vs Key West 197 SK 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Key West 177 SK 2013 or the Key West 197 SK 2011?

The Key West 197 SK 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,3 feet overall. The Key West 177 SK 2013 comes in at 17,3 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Key West 197 SK 2011 is rated to a maximum of 115 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 177 SK 2013 tops out at 90 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011 share an 7 ft. (2.13 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 19 gallons and 19 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Key West 177 SK 2013 and Key West 197 SK 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Key West 177 SK 2013 and the Key West 197 SK 2011 are built by Key West. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Key West 177 SK 2013 full specs ← Key West 197 SK 2011 full specs