The Key West 268 CC 2011 vs Key West Boats 189FS 2022 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 500 hp, the Key West 268 CC 2011 has a 385-hp advantage over the Key West Boats 189FS 2022'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 268 CC 2011 carries 18 gallons versus 4 gallons in the Key West Boats 189FS 2022. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Key West 268 CC 2011 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Key West Boats 189FS 2022 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Key West 268 CC 2011 could be the deciding factor.