Key West 218 SK 2011 boat specs
Key West
Key West 218 SK 2011
2011
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VS
Key West 230 BR 2013 boat specs
Key West
Key West 230 BR 2013
2013
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Key West 218 SK 2011 vs Key West 230 BR 2013 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Key West 218 SK 2011 and the Key West 230 BR 2013 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 250 hp, the Key West 230 BR 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the Key West 218 SK 2011'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 230 BR 2013 carries 8 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Key West 218 SK 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Key West 230 BR 2013 at 23,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Key West 218 SK 2011 at 21,0 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
MakeKey West
MakeKey West
Model218 SK
Model230 BR
Model Year2011
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.6 m)
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise4℃
Deadrise19℃
Draft [max] - Detail4 - 8 in. (0.1 - 0.2 m)
Draft [max] - Detail14 in. (0.36 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.2
Draft [max] - Meters0.36
Draft [max] - Inches8
Draft [max] - Inches14
Width [transom] - Detail20 / 25 in. (0.5 / 0.6 m)
Width [transom] - Detail25 in. (0.7 m)
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet23.08
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. (6.4 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 1 in. (7.04 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters7.04
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches277
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (302 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters113.56
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
HorsepowerRecommended 90 - 115 hp (67 - 86 kW)
HorsepowerRecommended: 150 - 250 hp (112 - 186 kW)
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Engine max250 hp (186 kW)

Key West 218 SK 2011 vs Key West 230 BR 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Key West 218 SK 2011 or the Key West 230 BR 2013?
The Key West 230 BR 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,1 feet overall. The Key West 218 SK 2011 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 2,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Key West 230 BR 2013 is rated to a maximum of 250 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Key West 218 SK 2011 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 passengers can the Key West 230 BR 2013 carry?
The Key West 230 BR 2013 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 230 BR 2013 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Key West 218 SK 2011. 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 218 SK 2011 or the Key West 230 BR 2013?
The Key West 230 BR 2013 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Key West 218 SK 2011. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Key West 218 SK 2011 and Key West 230 BR 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Key West 218 SK 2011 and the Key West 230 BR 2013 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.