I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

[guiltypleasure]

I'm down to the wire and it's time to make a decision.
Pioneer 197 SF w/ Suzuki 150 4-s
Key West 2020 CC w/ Yamaha 150 4-s (could power up to 200hp)
Century 2001 CC w/ Yamaha 150 4-s

I'll be using this for some inshore fishing and scalloping. I'm getting a CC instead of a bay boat because it's a little more family friendly for my wife and daughter (and future child #2) and any friends that we want to take along.

The prices are pretty close with the Key West being least expensive and Pioneer the most. Still, they're all w/in $3k of one another.

I want a 10 year boat.

Please help so I can be done with this!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

have you looked at the Scout and Palm Beach. of the ones you mention, key west.

 

[guiltypleasure]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

I cannot find a Scout anywhere. The local dealer is sold out and the other ones around the state (250 mile radius from Tampa) all have t-tops. I cannot have a t-top
Also, if I can get the Key West at $27k I would think the Scout won't go any lower than $35k. That's a hard difference for me to justify to my wife.

Thanks for the endorsement of the KW, that's the direction I'm leaning.

 

[Hennessey]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

Key West.

Pionners are cool, but very comparable to the Key West. So if you can get in the KW for less bling, I'd go in that direction.

I never liked the Century, but that's just me.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

KW with 150 Yammi 4-stroke.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

Key West. I think these are made by the same company who makes Sea-Pro boats which I have been very happy with and find them to be the best bang for your buck. If it is the same hull as SeaPro, you should realize the freeboard is a bit low, but it only drafts about 10" which is nice in the bays. Also, I would go Yamaha in saltwater if you have a choice...Seems to be the preferred motor of waterman at least in the Chesapeake area which says a lot...Not trying to start yet another "who makes the best motor" war though.

 

[Bamboo]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

Hard decision as all three are fine boats.
If it were me, I would take a hard look at the Pioneer 197SF and the KW 2020 and see which one fits your needs the best - Layout, size, features, storage, towing, etc. Both boats are well built, but the Pioneer may have the edge (arguably). Supposedly the folks at Pioneer have ties to the Key West company (former employees, cousins, nephews, ??...something like that). I'm partial to the Yamaha power not only because they are great running motors, but also because the support and service for Yamaha in my area is so strong. The new Suzuki 4s motors have a good rep too, so if Suzuki service is strong in your area that may not be a huge factor.

BTW - did you look at the new KW 211? It is one good looking boat and would be at the top of my list.

If you haven't already, check out the pioneer owner's club forum They have a very loyal following and people who own them seem very happy with their boats. I know a guy with a 197 SF and he LOVES that boat, he downsized from a much larger CC with twins to the Pioneer and has no regrets at'tall. www.pioneerownersclub.com

I own a 2005 Key West with a F150, and really like it. It is a solid boat and rides well. I'd have no problem buying another KW or recommending them.

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

 

[StoutMann]

Re: I'm stuck! Pioneer vs Key West vs Century

Hello there,

I have a 1 year old Key West 2020DC. It's got the 150 Yamaha 4 stroke. I am very satisfied with the boat and the performance of the engine, however if I ever have to repower I will step up to a 200. The extra power isn't necessary as it can hit 49.7mph (gps verified) with a light load and Yamaha Reliance series prop, but if I could do it again I would definately max out the hull capacity with a 200. Other than trying to talk you into a bigger engine the only other thing I can think of that I would make sure to get from the start is the Yamaha command link guages. I didn't and wish I had. Overall, you won't regret a Key West if it's set up right and you get the right options and accessories.