I don’t know if I will ever outgrow my 239FS, but if I do, my new boat will definitely be a Key West. They’re more than just a boat builder.
I bought my first Key West boat, a used 189FS, about 4 years ago. There was a problem with the fuel fill tube that the dealer was not addressing so I looked up Key West Boats on the internet. I was happy to find that they’re a SC company and were willing to look at my boat if I could bring it to them. I arranged a time through Tom Marlowe, and met his son Mike, with the boat, at their Summerville plant.. While the technician looked at my boat, Mike gave me a tour of the plant. We developed a quick rapport and it became obvious that Mike loved his boats. His enthusiasm for Key West products was infectious. When my boat was finished, they explained what they had done and handed me my keys telling me the only way they could test the filler repair tube was to fill my boat with fuel! I asked for the bill and they said “no charge “, if you’re willing to haul your boat to us, the least we can do is fix it and fill it. I decided right then that if I ever was in the market for another boat, I’d give Key West a serious look. As it turned out, I did sell that boat a year later and after pestering Mike numerous times, I ordered a new 239 FS. The experience was as good as I expected and the boat is just as good as Mike had told me it would be, both in construction and to fit my needs. I’ve been in business myself for 40 years and I know that companies develop a personality from their owners and employees and Key West Boats is a reflection of Mike Marlowe and his knowledge and infectious passion for Key West Boats. I don’t know if I will ever outgrow my 239FS but if I do my new one will definitely be a Key West, they’re more than just a boat builder.