The new 2015 Key West 239 FS,  powered by a new 250 HP Evinrude G2 ETEC outboard, was at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Naturally, we couldn't resist taking this little fishing machine for a test run.


Yes, you're right: 250 horses is more than enough power for a 23' center console. Acceleration was head-snapping, and at wide-open throttle, you saw us blast up to 47 MPH. We also felt the fishing features seen in the video had a bit more to offer than average, especially the tackle stowage. On most boats of this size you'll have to haul a tacklebox on and off the boat for every trip, but in this case, there's room to stow all your goodies right in that leaning post.

Key West 239 FS center console powerboat video quick tour

We had a chance to run the new 2015 Key West 239 FS at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.



Just how much will a new rig like this cost you? We checked out the listings for Key West 239 center consoles, and saw a spread ranging from the mid-$60,000 range up into the upper $70s.  We also noticed that many of the boats listed have different outboards, so if you want one with the new Evinrude ETEC G2, you might need to shop around a bit. Of course, you can also contact Key West Boats directly.

If you're hunting for a center console fishing boat in the low 20 foot range and this one strikes your fancy, but you'd like to also check out some of the competition (always a smart move), here are some other videos and reviews on boats.com you should find helpful:

Everglades 243CC: Bob Daugherty's Opus
Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser 21LX Bay Runner: First Look Video
Scout 210 XSF: Family Fishing Fun

You may also find it interesting to read Choosing a Center Console: Is It The Right Boat For You?

 

Written by: Lenny Rudow
With over two decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to publications including YachtWorld, boats.com, Boating Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Boating World, Saltwater Sportsman, Texas Fish & Game, and many others. Lenny is a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and he has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.