Key West 186 DC 2013 boat specs
Key West
Key West 186 DC 2013
2013
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VS
Key West 196 BR 2010 boat specs
Key West
Key West 196 BR 2010
2010
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Key West 186 DC 2013 vs Key West 196 BR 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Key West 186 DC 2013 and the Key West 196 BR 2010 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 186 DC 2013 at 18,8 ft versus Key West 196 BR 2010 at 19,5 ft. At 1 700 lbs and 1 800 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class - either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Key West 196 BR 2010 has a 50-hp advantage over the Key West 186 DC 2013's 150-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 196 BR 2010 carries 60 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Key West 186 DC 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 5 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Key West 196 BR 2010 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Key West 186 DC 2013 with its 150-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeKey West
MakeKey West
Model186 DC
Model196 BR
Model Year2013
Model Year2010
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)
Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Deadrise19℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [max] - Detail14 in. (0.36 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail12 in. (0.3 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.36
Draft [max] - Meters0.3
Draft [max] - Inches14
Draft [max] - Inches12
Weight - Detail1,700 lbs. (771 kg)
Weight - Detail1,800 lbs. (817 kg)
Weight - kg771.11
Weight - kg816.47
Weight - lbs.1700
Weight - lbs.1800
Width [transom] - Detail25 in. (0.66 m)
Width [transom] - Detail25 in. (0.7 m)
Length - Feet18.83
Length - Feet19.5
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 10 in. (5.5 m)
Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)
Length overall - Meters5.74
Length overall - Meters5.94
Length overall - Inches226
Length overall - Inches234
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal40
Fuel tank capacity - Gal60
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
HorsepowerRecommended: 115 - 150 hp (86 - 112 kW)
HorsepowerRecommended: 115 - 150 hp (86 - 112 kW)
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Engine max200 hp (149 kW)

Key West 186 DC 2013 vs Key West 196 BR 2010 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Key West 186 DC 2013 or the Key West 196 BR 2010?
The Key West 196 BR 2010 is the longer of the two at 19,5 feet overall. The Key West 186 DC 2013 comes in at 18,8 feet, making it roughly 0,7 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Key West 186 DC 2013 or the Key West 196 BR 2010?
For trailering, the Key West 186 DC 2013 has the edge at 1 700 lbs dry weight versus 1 800 lbs for the Key West 196 BR 2010. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Key West 196 BR 2010 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 186 DC 2013 tops out at 150 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Key West 186 DC 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 5 passengers, while the Key West 196 BR 2010 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Key West 186 DC 2013 and Key West 196 BR 2010 share an 8 ft. (2.44 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.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Key West 186 DC 2013 or the Key West 196 BR 2010?
The Key West 196 BR 2010 has the bigger tank at 60 gallons, versus 40 gallons on the Key West 186 DC 2013. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Key West 186 DC 2013 and Key West 196 BR 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Key West 186 DC 2013 and the Key West 196 BR 2010 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.