key west 268 or sea hunt 26

[jethompson]

looking for insight on these two boats looking at them both both have twin yamaha f-150's the key west is a little more priced but seems it has more standard equipment .looking for offshore use going to be trading up from my 22 center console any help or advice would be greatly appreciated by the way im new here absolutely love this site and have learned a ton of stuff thanks in advance jim thompson

[littletunny]

sea hunt

[bmkshort]

Those two boats are basically in the same class.
From what I've seen, the KW have a little better fit and finish.

If possible, sea trial both to get a feel for them.
Also, consider dealer's reputation and service.
Is the same dealer selling both makes?

[seadog27]

Key West
A little better fit & finish, a little more width, weighs a little more, and holds more fuel. Price and layout are your choice I bet which ever you choose you'll be very happy.

[itwonder]

The Key West is a notch above Sea Hunt in features, fit, and finish. The 268 handles and rides just great, and it's console is huge for that size boat offering lots of protection. The layout is unusual so be sure it meets your needs. If you sea trial both, I think you will find the Key West has a solid feel with few rattles.

[5Bucks]

itwonder - 2/19/2008 6:58 PM

The Key West is a notch above Sea Hunt in features, fit, and finish. The 268 handles and rides just great, and it's console is huge for that size boat offering lots of protection. The layout is unusual so be sure it meets your needs. If you sea trial both, I think you will find the Key West has a solid feel with few rattles.

But the KW layout is awful.

[Southern Hunter]

Sea Hunt

[onthefly1]

the key west is a great boat. very nice riding also. I like the layout they have and the height inside the console.

[timp]

Sea Hunt......... I can't believe I said that. Sea Hunt has come a loooong way lately. Gotta love the "flair" they have building into their boats.

[MattH]

I haven't checked out the 26's but I lookd at both in around the 22-23 ft range. I likes the sea hunt, the KW from what I remeber didn't have that much freeboard. I didn't feel as safe in it. I don't think either boat is a hardcore fishing machine though.

[solarfry]

Sea Hunt 26 is larger inside, hass better fit and finish and you get more boat for your money.

[Lil 2 Sleepy]

I looked at both boats hard, and I ended up buying the Key West and have zero regrets, other than having to pay for it. The Key West rides very well, if you know how to drive it. Both boats are very wet if you don't. The Sea Hunt is not nearly as heavy and just isn't nearly as much boat. I also just thinkt he Key West is a much better looking ride. Load it up and it is bad azz.

One instance of this is the console and the T-Top. Key West blows the Sea Hunt away. Just take a look at the two and it is clearly evident that Sea Hunt just doesn't spend as much time with the fit and finish part. Electrical wiring on the Key West is exceptional for this priceline of a boat. I think better than the Sea Hunt and the Sailfish. The only thing i really don't like is that the fish box is small and there is only one, the 200 quart bench takes that away.

As for space, I like the front layout for the family, as well as it makes a nice casting deck for a net. The rear cooler does take up a lot of room, but it has some great uses as well. If you really felt it was a problem, it is easily removed to allow for some extra fishing space. Combing pads are thick and in a great spot.

I get about 2.1 mpg at a cruise of 33 or so. Top end is 50-52ish, with a pair of 150s. You better have something to pull it with though. Loaded out it pushes 8500-9000lbs w/trailer.

Don't get me wrong, i really like the Sea Hunt and think that it is a great deal. I just don't think the two are equal. The Key West is more expensive however, but my deal was too good to pass up and would probably buy the same boat again. Here are a few pics of mine in the yard.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/t...asp?tid=188670