Key West 210 Bay: A Top Choice for Inshore Fishing

I was pleasantly surprised when we first started using the Key West 210 Bay boat. Despite its shallower hull, the boat’s seaworthiness wasn’t compromised. We found that exploring shallower areas for fishing added a lot of fun to our outings. The bay boat is only available at two of the four Freedom Boat Club locations, Jacksonville and Camachee Cove.

Design and Build

The Key West 210 Bay features a sleek, shallow-draft design, making it ideal for inshore fishing. Built from high-quality fiberglass, this boat is durable and reliable, providing peace of mind when navigating shallow waters or open bays. The 210 Bay feels solid and well-constructed, which boosts my confidence in its ability to handle various conditions.

The center console design is a standout feature, offering superior driving position and enhanced visibility—crucial when maneuvering in tight spots or docking. While it’s a bit longer than the 203 FS, the 210 Bay trades the bow seating for additional fishing space.

The leaning post seating on a Key West boat, featuring a cushioned backrest and seat in light gray with black accents. The backrest has a diamond-stitched pattern with the Key West (KW) logo embroidered in the center. The seat is positioned in front of the center console, providing a comfortable place for the captain to sit or lean while operating the boat. In the background, a Yamaha 175 outboard motor is mounted at the stern. The deck around the seating area is clean and organized, with storage hatches visible.
Credit: Boat Trader

Performance

Powered by a Yamaha F150 engine, the Key West 210 Bay delivers impressive performance for its size. The boat can reach speeds of up to 45 MPH and cruises comfortably around 25-30 MPH. The hull design allows it to get on plane quickly and handle smoothly. Its maneuverability is excellent, making it easy to navigate through narrow channels and around obstacles.

Comfort

For a 21-foot boat, the Key West 210 Bay offers decent seating with a forward-facing console seat, helm seating, and fold-down jump seats at the stern. The center console layout provides excellent visibility and a commanding view of the surroundings, while the helm seat comfortably accommodates two people with some much-needed sun protection.

The bow area of a boat featuring multiple storage compartments with secure latches. The clean, white deck includes a recessed area for seating or standing, with the compartments designed for easy access to store gear and equipment. The surface is smooth, and the hatches are flush with the deck, creating an organized and functional space. The boat's deck provides ample room for fishing or relaxing, and the layout is practical for both cruising and fishing trips.
Credit: Boat Trader

Storage

Storage on the Key West 210 Bay is ample, with dedicated compartments for fishing gear, life jackets, and personal items. The bow storage can double as fish boxes or coolers, and the console offers additional dry storage.

Features

The Key West 210 Bay comes well-equipped with features that enhance fishing:

  • Aerated Live Well
  • High-Pressure Washdown
  • Self-Bailing Cockpit
  • Plenty of Rod Holders
  • Trolling Motor Ready

Electronics

Standard electronics include a Garmin GPS and fishfinder, with options to upgrade to a larger display. The boat’s sound system is adequate, and the lighting is well-placed for early morning or late evening trips.

Fuel Efficiency

The Yamaha F150 is a fuel-efficient engine, providing around 4.0 MPG at cruising speeds. This makes the 210 Bay a cost-effective choice for frequent trips to fishing spots. With a 50-gallon fuel tank, you can easily jump from spot to spot without worrying about running low on fuel.

Pricing

The Key West 210 Bay is priced similarly to the Key West 203 FS, with new models around $60k. Used models, even four years old, hold their value well, typically selling for around $40k. Check out the boat shows in Florida for some good discounts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Ability to explore shallow areas in creeks and find fish.
  • Lower fuel costs for each trip.
  • Nimble and quick handling.

Cons:

  • Tight on space for a small family.
  • Limited lounging room, especially for a teenage daughter.
  • Feels more of a roll when taking another boat’s wake.

Final Verdict

If inshore fishing, exploring shallow waters, and saving money are your priorities, the Key West 210 Bay is an excellent choice. It combines Key West’s durability and quality with a practical and enjoyable design for a day on the water.

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