Key West 176 Sportsman Key Specifications
- LOA: 17'7"
- Beam: 7'4"
- Dry Weight: Approximately 1,300 lbs
- Deadrise: Approximately 15° (modified-V)
- Max HP: 140 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons
Cover Features
- Material: Solution-dyed marine fabric
- T-Top Integration: Fitted cutouts for T-Top legs
- Colors: Navy, Black, Charcoal
- Trailerable: Yes – highway-ready fit
- Warranty: Manufacturer warranty included
Additional information
Choose Your Cover Fabric
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
7 oz. Polyester — Our entry-level marine cover fabric, woven from 100% polyester fiber at a 7 oz. per linear yard weight. This lighter option keeps the cover manageable for solo handling while still delivering reliable protection against sun, rain, and debris. Backed by a 3-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black.
9 oz. Polyester — Step up to our heavy-duty polyester, engineered at 9 oz. per linear yard for boats that face tougher conditions or extended outdoor storage. The denser weave adds an extra layer of defense against abrasion and weather without adding unnecessary bulk. Protected by a 5-year fabric warranty. Ships in Navy or Black.
Sunbrella® — For boaters who want the best, our Sunbrella covers use 100% solution-dyed acrylic — the same fabric trusted by marine professionals worldwide. Naturally resistant to fading, mold, and water damage, Sunbrella holds its color and integrity season after season. Covered by a 6-year fabric warranty. Ships in Black, Smoke, or Marine Blue.
Both polyester options feature solution-dyed construction, where pigment is infused into each fiber during production rather than applied to the surface afterward. This process locks color deep into the material, preventing any dye transfer to your boat’s gel coat or finish. The result is a cover that stays vibrant without bleeding or rubbing off. Our polyester is also designed to breathe — it allows moisture trapped underneath to vent out naturally, reducing the risk of mildew and keeping your boat dry. The fabric holds its form without sagging or stretching over time, stays lightweight enough for one person to handle, and stands up to prolonged UV exposure and harsh marine weather.
*The warranty periods above are provided by the fabric manufacturer and cover the material itself. For details on what’s included in the warranty for your completed cover, please see our warranty page.
| Weight | 25 lbs |
|---|
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The 176 Sportsman has a 7'4" beam, relatively narrow for a 17.6-footer. This compact width makes the boat highly trailerable and easy to handle at the dock, but it also means the cover must be precisely pattern-cut to avoid excess fabric bunching at the rails. Our custom cover accounts for this narrow profile, ensuring a snug, professional fit without fabric drape or water pooling.
Yes, absolutely. The cover is specifically engineered for trailering at highway speeds. The integrated strap-and-buckle system distributes tension evenly across the gunwales and doesn't rely on center attachment points that can shift in wind. You can confidently tow to new fishing grounds without stopping to remove or adjust the cover.
Yes. The cover wraps the entire hull below the T-Top and around the 140 HP outboard well opening. During storage, the single-engine configuration actually makes the boat slightly easier to cover — there's no dual-console complexity or twin outboard hanging hardware to work around. The straightforward hull geometry of the 176 means fast, secure cover installation.
The 176 Sportsman is designed for versatile inshore and nearshore fishing with its modified-V hull and approximately 15° deadrise providing good stability in 2- to 4-foot conditions. While not as shallow-draft as a skiff, it handles bays, sounds, and light offshore conditions well. If you fish extremely skinny water, the 177 Skiff might be a better platform.
Navy blue is the most popular choice for sunny dock storage because it resists heat buildup and shows less algae and salt spray residue than lighter colors. Charcoal gray is another excellent option for sun exposure. Black is ideal if your boat sits under a covered lift or canopy where you want maximum UV blocking but heat isn't a concern.
Our T-Top cover for the 176 weighs approximately 35-45 lbs, depending on fabric grade. While one person can handle installation with patience, most anglers prefer two people to spread the fabric evenly and align the leg cutouts properly. The process typically takes 5-10 minutes once you're familiar with your cover.
The cover wraps below the T-Top hardtop and is designed to cover the hull. Any hardtop-mounted electronics (GPS, VHF, cameras) sit above the cover and are unaffected. However, if you've added tall rod holders or outrigger mounts to the gunwales, you'll want to notify us so we can adjust the fit accordingly.
Our cover is constructed from solution-dyed marine-grade polyester fabric, meaning the color is built into the fiber itself rather than applied as a coating. This ensures the cover resists fading, chalking, and UV degradation season after season. The fabric is also treated for mildew and mold resistance, critical for boats stored in humid environments.
Rinse your cover regularly with fresh water to remove salt spray and algae buildup. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristle brush and mild soap (saddle soap or boat soap), then rinse thoroughly. Avoid high-pressure washers, bleach, or harsh chemicals that can degrade the fabric. Allow the cover to dry before rolling it up for storage.
Yes. Every cover is backed by our manufacturer warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty length varies by product line; check your specification sheet or contact our sales team for your specific warranty duration. Normal wear, UV fading, and damage from improper installation or extreme weather are not covered.
Key West 176 Sportsman T-Top Boat Cover — Compact Entry-Level Protection
The Key West 176 Sportsman is the nimble entry point into modern fishing boat design — compact enough to trailer behind most vehicles, yet fully capable of handling nearshore conditions. At 17’7″, this single-outboard center console packs impressive utility into a footprint that fits most driveway boat lifts. Whether you’re running shallow bays or pushing offshore on a calm day, the 176 delivers a no-fuss platform with a straightforward cockpit layout and responsive handling.
Our custom-fitted T-Top boat cover wraps the 176’s hull below the hardtop, allowing the T-Top legs to pass through purpose-cut apertures in the fabric. This keeps your boat protected from UV, rain, and salt spray during storage and layup — while your hardtop remains fully exposed above the cover. The solution-dyed marine fabric resists fading and mildew, essential for the seasonal boat owner who stores outdoors or at a canal-side dock.
Built for the Compact Angler
At approximately 1,300 lbs dry weight and with a 15° modified-V hull, the 176 Sportsman offers surprising stability for its size. The 40-gallon fuel capacity means extended half-day trips to favorite shallow flats or a quick run offshore when conditions permit. The narrow beam and compact footprint make launching and retrieval fast and simple — ideal for busy weekends when every minute on the water counts.
The T-Top adds shade for longer sight-fishing sessions while the T-Top covers we craft for this model provide drift-free storage that’s highway-ready. If you’re comparing compact models, our Key West 176 Bay Reef T-Top cover fits the same-size bay boat hull with the same precision. You can trailer to new fishing grounds with confidence, knowing your investment is protected from sun, weather, and road salt.
Why a Custom T-Top Cover Matters
Generic tarps don’t conform to the 176’s unique hull shape, leaving gaps where water pools and UV rays penetrate. Our cover is pattern-cut specifically for the 176 Sportsman T-Top configuration, ensuring snug fit with no sagging or flapping during towing. The integrated strap-and-buckle system secures the cover across the wide gunwale beam without damaging paint or gel coat.
Available in Navy, Black, and Charcoal gray, the cover complements the boat’s purposeful fishing aesthetic. Navy is particularly popular with anglers storing on canals or covered lifts, where a slightly darker fabric shows less dust and algae buildup than lighter alternatives.
Trailerable, Durable, Warrantied
Designed for trailering at highway speeds, this cover won’t shift or flutter even on long runs to your home waters. The solution-dyed construction means colors stay true season after season, resisting the chalky fade that plagues inferior covers. And because we back every cover with manufacturer warranty, your 176 Sportsman stays protected the way you intended — from year one through season ten and beyond.
Ready to protect your 176 Sportsman T-Top? Browse our color options and specifications above, or check out the Key West 186 Sportsman T-Top cover if you’re considering the next size up.
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