Key West 196 BR 2012 vs Key West 197 SK 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Key West 196 BR 2012 or the Key West 197 SK 2009?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 is the longer of the two at 19,5 feet overall. The Key West 197 SK 2009 comes in at 19,0 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 197 SK 2009 tops out at 115 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: How many passengers can the Key West 196 BR 2012 carry?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 measures 96" wide, compared to 84" for the Key West 197 SK 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Key West 196 BR 2012 or the Key West 197 SK 2009?

The Key West 197 SK 2009 has the bigger tank at 19 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Key West 196 BR 2012. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Key West 196 BR 2012 and Key West 197 SK 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Key West 196 BR 2012 and the Key West 197 SK 2009 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 196 BR 2012 vs Key West 197 SK 2009

Key West

Key West 196 BR 2012

2012

View full specs →

Key West

Key West 197 SK 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Key West 196 BR 2012 vs Key West 197 SK 2009 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Key West 196 BR 2012 and the Key West 197 SK 2009 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 200 hp, the Key West 196 BR 2012 has a 85-hp advantage over the Key West 197 SK 2009's 115-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 2009 carries 19 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Key West 196 BR 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Key West 196 BR 2012 is rated for up to 5 people. Passenger data for the Key West 197 SK 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Key West 196 BR 2012 and its 200-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Key West 197 SK 2009 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeKey West

Model196 BR

Model197 SK

Model Year2012

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam7 ft. (2.13 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.13

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches84

Deadrise19℃

Deadrise2℃

Draft [max] - Detail12 in. (0.3 m)

Draft [max] - Detail8 in. (0.2 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.3

Draft [max] - Meters0.2

Draft [max] - Inches12

Draft [max] - Inches8

Weight - Detail1,800 lbs. (817 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg816.47

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.18

Weight - lbs.not available

Width [transom] - Detail25 in. (0.7 m)

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

Length - Feet19.5

Length - Feet19

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters5.94

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches234

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches4

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 typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail19 gal. (72 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters71.92

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal19

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

HorsepowerRecommended: 115 - 150 hp (86 - 112 kW)

Horsepowernot available

Engine max200 hp (149 kW)

Engine max115 hp (86 kW) Recommended 70-90 kW (52-67 kW)

Key West 196 BR 2012 vs Key West 197 SK 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Key West 196 BR 2012 or the Key West 197 SK 2009?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 is the longer of the two at 19,5 feet overall. The Key West 197 SK 2009 comes in at 19,0 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 is rated to a maximum of 200 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 197 SK 2009 tops out at 115 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 passengers can the Key West 196 BR 2012 carry?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Key West 196 BR 2012 measures 96" wide, compared to 84" for the Key West 197 SK 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Key West 196 BR 2012 or the Key West 197 SK 2009?

The Key West 197 SK 2009 has the bigger tank at 19 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Key West 196 BR 2012. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–65 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Key West 196 BR 2012 and Key West 197 SK 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Key West 196 BR 2012 and the Key West 197 SK 2009 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 196 BR 2012 full specs ← Key West 197 SK 2009 full specs