If I were to purchase a boat right now, the Key West 239 DFS would be my top choice. The “DFS” stands for Dual Family Sportsman, and this model lives up to its name by offering a perfect blend of comfort, performance, and versatility. With a stable ride courtesy of its 19/24 degree deadrise, an 8’6” beam, 23’9” length, a 100-gallon fuel capacity, and a reliable 250 HP Yamaha engine, the 239 DFS is built to handle a wide range of boating activities. We can reserve this boat at all four of our Freedom Boat Club locations.
Design and Build
The dual console layout works perfectly for our family, providing plenty of space for our daughter to lounge comfortably in the bow. The hull design ensures good stability even in rougher conditions (2-3 foot chop) and handles cruising exceptionally well.
In terms of build quality, the 239 DFS is impressive. It’s a mid-tier boat that truly stands out in its category. I’ve seen many of these boats around, and every owner I’ve spoken with has been more than satisfied with their purchase. Excellent choice for the waters we see in Northeast Florida.
Performance
At Freedom Boat Club, all 239 DFS models come equipped with a 250 HP Yamaha engine. We typically cruise at 25 knots, which equates to about 3700 RPM with three people on board and a full tank. While the boat can easily reach speeds over 40 MPH at around 5500 RPM, we generally stick to a more relaxed cruising speed of 25-30 MPH.
The ride comfort of the 239 DFS is exceptional, and the bow is often the most popular spot. The deep-V hull helps the boat cut through the water smoothly, although passengers may get a bit wet if there’s spray coming over the bow. It’s also an excellent boat for water sports, with tight turning capabilities and great maneuverability.
Comfort
One of the standout features of the 239 DFS is its seating arrangement. Our teenage daughter loves having the bow area to herself for privacy and tanning, while my wife and I are quite comfortable on the rear seats. The starboard side offers a great spot to lounge as well.
The cockpit layout is generally well-designed, but the driving position of the dual console is one of our few cons. While seated, both of us find the visibility lacking, so we prefer to stand while driving. The navigation system is easy to read, the trim tabs are accessible, and the radio is conveniently placed. However, we both prefer the visibility and ease of use that a center console provides.
Storage on the DFS is quite good, with dedicated compartments for fishing gear, storage under the bow seating, and additional compartments next to the cockpit.
Features
The 239 DFS comes well-equipped with standard features. Some of our most liked features include:
- Aerated Live well
- Lockable Rod Storage
- 10 year Hull Warranty
- Toilet(Porta-potty)
- Comfortable upholstery
- Plenty of Rod holders
Electronics
The 239 DFS comes with a basic Garmin GPS and fishfinder, though upgrades to more advanced systems are available. The sound system is excellent—we have no trouble hearing it even while relaxing on tubes. The lighting is also more than adequate for our needs.
Fuel Efficiency
The Yamaha F250 is very fuel-efficient, averaging around 3.5 MPG at cruising speeds (about 3500 RPM). If you run wide open, fuel efficiency drops to about 2.0 MPG. With its 100-gallon fuel tank, the 239 DFS offers plenty of range for extended outings.
Pricing
Before COVID, you could purchase a new 239 DFS for under $70k. Nowadays, new models typically go for around $100k or less, depending on how they are optioned. Buying used can save you a considerable amount of money, and Key West boats tend to hold their value well if kept in good condition.
Pros and Cons
For our family of three, which includes a teenage daughter, the 239 DFS offers several key advantages. The bow area provides a great space for her and her friends to lounge, and the hardtop offers much-needed shade from the Florida sun. The boat still has an aerated livewell for fishing, rod holders, and plenty of space to fish. It’s easy to anchor or beach at a sandbar, and it handles very well overall.
However, the driving position is a downside for us. My wife enjoys sitting next to me on a center console, so the separation of the dual console isn’t our preferred setup. Additionally, the visibility on the DFS is not as good as on the FS model, making the FS easier to dock, drive, and maneuver. While you lose some fishing space with the DFS, that’s never been a major issue for us.
Final Verdict
The Key West 239 DFS is the most well-rounded boat for our family. Its bow seating, comfortable design, and versatility make it our top pick among Freedom Boat Club boats. If you’re in the market for a center console but need more than just a fishing boat, the 239 DFS is definitely worth considering.