Key West 239 FS Review: Almost Perfect

The Key West 239 FS is another top choice if I were to purchase a boat right now. Designed with both families and fishing enthusiasts in mind, this versatile boat is also the only one at Freedom Boat Club that we’re allowed to take offshore. The boat is in two of our four locations at Freedom Boat Club, Camachee Cove, and Jacksonville.

Design and Build

The Key West 239 FS boasts a sleek, modern design and features a deep-V hull that handles choppier conditions with ease. Key West is known for its “No Wood, No Rot” construction, utilizing high-quality fiberglass that ensures durability and longevity. Running the inlet with an outgoing tide, the 239 FS feels solid and well-constructed, giving me confidence in its ability to handle rougher waters.

The center console design offers a superior driving position compared to dual consoles. I feel much safer at higher speeds—up to 40 MPH—with the enhanced visibility and easier docking. However, as a family of three, we sometimes miss the seating layout of a dual console or deck boat, which offers more lounging options.

Performance

The Key West 239 FS at Freedom Boat Club is equipped with a Yamaha F250 engine, which provides excellent performance. The boat can reach speeds of up to 45 MPH and cruises comfortably at 25-30 MPH. While you can opt for a Yamaha F300, the F250 is more than sufficient. The major advantage of the 239 FS is its center console design, which allows the boat to get up on plane in about 5 seconds, followed by a smooth cruise to your destination. The boat is highly maneuverable, with responsive steering and stable sharp turns at speed. However, it does require more trimming than the DFS, and there’s sometimes a slight list to port that can be corrected with weight distribution or trim tabs.

Comfort

The 239 FS offers plenty of seating, officially accommodating up to 10 people, though I wouldn’t recommend that many. For our family of five—including my parents—the boat feels just right, with enough room for everyone. The bow features comfortable lounge seating for two, plus an additional forward console seat. At the stern, there’s a fold-down bench near the live well.

The bow seating area of a boat, featuring cushioned seats in light beige with backrests on both sides. The seating is arranged in a V-shape, providing comfortable space for passengers to relax at the front of the boat. Two cup holders are located in the center for convenience. Stainless steel grab rails run along the sides for added safety. The boat is floating in calm water, with trees visible along the shoreline in the background, creating a serene and relaxing setting for cruising or anchoring.
Credit: Key West Boats

The cockpit is where the center console truly shines. The helm seat easily fits two, allowing my wife and me to sit together. From this position, visibility is excellent, with unobstructed views in all directions.

The center console area of a boat with a sleek, modern design. The helm features a stainless steel steering wheel, digital displays, and control switches for operating the boat. The T-top provides shade, and stainless steel rod holders are mounted on the back of the seat for easy access during fishing trips. The boat's deck is clean and spacious, offering plenty of room for movement. The calm water and shoreline with trees in the background create a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for cruising or fishing.
Credit: Key West Boats

Storage on the 239 FS is generous, with dedicated spaces for fishing gear, life jackets, and personal items. The bow seating includes insulated fish boxes that double as coolers, while the forward console offers dry storage and the option for a small porta-potty.

A compact marine head compartment on a boat, featuring a portable toilet with simple controls. The walls of the compartment are equipped with storage pouches for holding small items. The space is designed to be functional, with a small drain on the floor for easy cleaning. The walls are light-colored, and the compartment is enclosed, providing privacy for passengers. The setup is practical for boaters needing a restroom option while out on the water.
Credit: Key West Boats

Features

The 239 FS comes well-equipped with standard features, including:

  • Ample room for a porta-potty
  • Trim Tabs
  • Self-Bailing Cockpit
  • Aerated Live Well
  • High-Pressure Washdown
  • 8 Rod Holders

Electronics

Like the 239 DFS, the 239 FS comes with a basic Garmin GPS and fishfinder, with the option to upgrade to a larger display. The sound system is adequate, though I rarely play music loudly since we usually focus on fishing. The boat’s lighting and courtesy lights are decent, and all controls are conveniently located at the helm.

Fuel Efficiency

The Yamaha F250 is a fuel-efficient engine, providing around 3.5 MPG at cruising speeds and 2.0 MPG at full throttle. When we take the boat out of Camachee Cove to fish near the Bridge of Lions, our gas bill is often under $10. With a 100-gallon fuel tank, the 239 FS offers plenty of range for extended trips.

Pricing

The Key West 239 FS tends to be slightly cheaper than the DFS model, and it also holds its resale value well. Before COVID, you could find a new one for under $90k. Even used models retain value, with only about $20k in depreciation over two years. Unfortunately, like many boats, the price has risen significantly due to COVID. Make sure to take a look at some boat shows to grab a good discount.

Pros and Cons

For our family of three, the Key West 239 FS offers several advantages. The ability to go offshore is a significant plus, as Freedom Boat Club limits offshore access to certain boats, and the FS is one of them. The center console design provides a smooth, enjoyable driving experience, especially when we’re focused on fishing.

However, the boat’s seating isn’t as comfortable as that of a dual console or deck boat, especially for lounging. The forward console seat is a nice addition, but it’s not my favorite. When it comes to relaxation, the FS doesn’t quite match the comfort offered by other boat types.

Final Verdict

If I’m heading out to fish, navigate choppy waters, or cruise quickly to a destination, the Key West 239 FS is the clear choice, thanks to its center console design and excellent performance. However, for a more relaxing family outing with an emphasis on comfort and spacious seating, I might lean toward a dual or deck boat. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities—if fishing and performance are at the top of your list, the 239 FS won’t disappoint.