I’ve been eyeing a Key West 186cc that I can get a good deal on. I’ve ran a Key West Bay Reef with the same hull design, and compared to it, my old Aquasport rides like a 79 GMC pickup with 4 bad tires. I spend most of my time fishing inshore, but I enjoy running out to the jetties and the nearshore reefs occasionally. I think the 186cc will work out nicely for how I fish. Any owners here? Gripes and Likes?
I striper fish out of my buddie’s KW 186cc. Somewhere around a 2008. Both of us love it but it is underpowered with a Yammy 115 4 stroke. Could be a prop issue but with a 150 it would be great. Great fishing layout for a small boat. Great room for 2-3. 4 would be crowded. I used to have a 17 Scout and the KW rides much smoother and takes a bigger wave. If I were’t looking for another flats boat, I’d give the KW 186 some serious consideration for the money.
SeaPro 23 WA Yam 225
Key West 17’ Stealth Yam 115
Wilderness Systems Ride 135
Completely agree that the 115hp is a tad too little for that boat. It’s a big boat for its length and has a pretty significant deadrise. I highly recommend it, if you’re considering it. Almost bought one several years ago. Takes a chop like a champ.
Thanks YnR. The 186 I’m looking at doesn’t currently have an engine. The plan is rob the engine from my Aquasport and put it on the 186 KW. Engine is a Suzuki DF140, actual horsepower is 138hp. You’re right, the 186 is stout for a 19’ boat. My Aquasport has served me well, and can get skinny, but it rides like a sheet of plywood. I’m looking forward to some more aggressive deadrise.
I have a 2007 186cc, with a 140 Suzuki and it has really served me well. Great for the harbor, inshore rivers, and nearshore reefs (on decent weather days). We have been as far as the Commanche and Y-73 reefs. Great family boat also for cruising and skiing etc.
I have a 2006 196 Br that I love. Great boat… just about 3 feet to short for me now. Lookin at that new 230 but not quite ready to pull the trigger yet
The new 21 and 23 bay reef they make looks like a real winner. Wonder what the pricing will be. If they can keep it reasonable like they have been, it’ll be a great package.
I’ve run the 196BR, and the new 210BR & 230BR. The new BR’s have the integrated hull pad and transom set back. Maxed out with a Yamaha SHO and a jack plate, we got both the 210BR & 230BR to do 67mph. It was really impressive. But… both of those performers are out of my price range, though I’d love to have either. The 186 doesn’t have an engine, and I already have a paid for 2008 SuzukiDF140. Maybe in a few years I’ll be able to own a 210BR.
I will likely sell it with the trailer. Trailer is good, new torsion axle and tires in 09’. Boat is solid, no soft spots, and a rebuilt raised 25" transom.
I’m not quite ready to sell it yet, but when I do, I’d like to get no less than $1500. In 73’, the boat was rated for 140hp max. In later years, it was increased to 175hp.
So, I ended up buying the 186. I’ve had it for about 2 months now, and its just a great little boat. The ride is impressive for a shorter, lightweight boat. It does draft a little more than my Aquasport did, which took some getting used to, but overall, it’s a quality boat and I’m really happy with it. Here’s a pic-
