What’s the very worst thing about reading fishing boat reviews and shopping for a new boat in this day and age? Sticker shock. There are so many boats out there that cost as much as a new house, many of us wonder how we’re ever supposed to be able to afford to buy one. That’s one of the reasons why we love boats like the Key West 1720CC, which, starting in the mid-20K-range, costs significantly less than the average price of a new car.
Another reason why we love this boat: it’s built just as rugged as larger Key West models, including the use of stainless-steel hardware, stainless-steel low-profile bow rails, and a foam-injected fiberglass stringer system. In fact, it carries a 10-year hull warranty.
Reason number three: The 1720CC comes with more standard features than one would expect, including a livewell in the port aft deck, a compass, trolling motor pre-wiring, a swim platform with a telescopic ladder, four flush-mount gunwale rodholders, console rodholders, under-gunwale rodracks, and courtesy lights. No, that list doesn’t include many “comfort” amenities like a stereo, bow cushions, or tilt steering (though you can opt for all that sort of stuff, if you want it). But it checks all the fishing features and then some, which is a bit of a surprise on a boat of this size.
You want more reasons? You’ve got ‘em. The boat’s light and easy to trailer, launch, and retrieve; it has an integrated anchor locker (something of a rarity on a boat this small); draft is a mere 10-inches so you’ll be sneaking into water as skinny as anyone; and 70 horses gives it plenty of power so your operational costs will be minimal, to say the least. So… what’s not to love?
Key West 1720 CC Specifications:
LOA – 17’2”
Beam – 6’10”
Displacement – 1150 lbs.
Draft – 10”
Transom Deadrise – 15 degrees
Fuel Capacity – 40 gal.
Max. Power – 90 hp
Area Dealers – Anchor Boats, North East, MD (800) 773-2628.