Key West 186 Sportsman – Quick-Reference Specs
- Boat Model: Key West 186 Sportsman
- Cover Type: Center Console Mooring Cover
- LOA: ~18' 6"
- Beam: ~8' 0"
- Dry Weight: ~1,650 lbs
- Engine: Single outboard, 115–150 HP
- Fuel Capacity: ~40 gallons
- Deadrise: ~19°
- Hull Type: Modified-V fiberglass
- Status: Discontinued model
Cover Features
- Fit: Custom-fitted for the Key West 186 Sportsman center console
- Coverage: Full hull from bow to stern, fully enclosing the outboard engine
- Fabric Options: 9oz solution-dyed polyester (most popular) or Sunbrella acrylic
- Construction: Reinforced stitching, hem cord at rubrail, adjustable tie-down straps
- Installation: ~15–20 minutes, one person
- Warranty: Manufacturer warranty against UV and weather damage
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 | 23 lbs |
|---|---|
| Fabric | 9oz Polyester |
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — this cover is pattern-cut specifically for the Key West 186 Sportsman center console hull. It fits the approximately 18-foot-6-inch length with 8-foot beam, wrapping over the center console and fully enclosing the outboard engine as one continuous piece.
No — the 186 Sportsman has been discontinued by Key West Boats. Our cover is still available and fits all model years. The 186 Sportsman was the largest model in the Sportsman series and remains popular on the used market.
The 186 Sportsman supports a single outboard between 115 and 150 horsepower. Our cover fully encloses the engine as part of the continuous fabric drape past the transom, regardless of the specific horsepower rating mounted.
Both share the 186 hull number, but they are completely different boats. The 186 Sportsman has a modified-V hull with 19 degrees of deadrise designed for nearshore capability. The 186 Bay Reef uses a wider, shallower bay boat hull optimized for calm inshore waters. Each requires its own pattern-cut cover — they are not interchangeable.
We offer two marine-grade fabrics: our heavy-duty 9oz solution-dyed polyester (the most popular choice for durability and colorfastness) and premium Sunbrella acrylic canvas (lighter weight with exceptional UV resistance and breathability). Both resist mold, mildew, and fading.
Installation takes about 15 to 20 minutes with one person. The 186's wider 8-foot beam is still manageable solo, though a second pair of hands makes the job faster. Drape from bow to stern, then secure using the elastic hem cord and adjustable tie-down straps that buckle underneath the hull.
Yes — the cover is designed for storage but its tie-down straps and hem cord keep it secure for trailering at moderate speeds. The 186 Sportsman at 1,650 pounds is well within standard trailer capacity, and the cover stays locked in place during transport.
No — Key West produced both a 186 Sportsman and a standalone 186 model. While they share similar overall dimensions, they are distinct hull designs with different deck layouts and features. Each requires its own pattern-cut cover. Make sure to select the correct model when ordering.
Our 9oz solution-dyed polyester is the most popular choice — it is heavier, extremely durable, and offers excellent water resistance at a lower price point. Sunbrella acrylic is lighter, more breathable, and provides superior UV protection, making it ideal for boats stored in intense sun year-round. Both fabrics come with manufacturer warranties.
Select your boat model, cover type, and fabric choice on the product page, then add to cart. Every cover ships with the fitted cover, all necessary tie-down straps and buckles, a storage bag, and a detailed installation guide. Most orders ship within 5 to 7 business days.
⏱️ Current lead time: 1–3 weeks — every cover is custom-made for your boat.
Questions about fit? Call (561) 677-2628
Questions about fit? Call (561) 677-2628
Key West 186 Sportsman Center Console Boat Cover (Discontinued Model)
The Key West 186 Sportsman is an 18-foot-6-inch center console that topped the Sportsman series as its largest and most capable hull. Weighing approximately 1,650 pounds with an 8-foot beam and 19 degrees of deadrise, the 186 Sportsman carried a single outboard between 115 and 150 horsepower and held 40 gallons of fuel. That deeper-V hull gave the 186 noticeably more offshore confidence than its smaller Sportsman siblings, handling moderate chop on nearshore runs while still drafting shallow enough for inshore creeks and flats. The 186 Sportsman has been discontinued but its larger hull and versatile layout keep it a sought-after boat on the used market.
Our custom-fitted mooring cover wraps the entire 186 Sportsman as one continuous piece of marine-grade fabric. The cover rises over the center console, slopes smoothly toward the stern, and extends past the transom to fully enclose the outboard engine in a natural, slightly loose drape. A hem cord cinches along the rubrail while the bottom edge reaches nearly to the keel, leaving only a thin strip of hull exposed. Pattern-cut to the 186’s wider 8-foot beam, the cover sheds rain cleanly and stays tight through wind and trailering.
The Biggest Sportsman — Full-Size Protection
As the flagship of the Sportsman line, the 186 deserves a cover that matches its capability. Choose our heavy-duty 9oz solution-dyed polyester — the most popular option for its rugged durability and colorfastness — or upgrade to premium Sunbrella acrylic canvas for the best UV resistance and breathability available. Both fabrics are solution-dyed through the entire fiber, so color stays locked in permanently through years of sun, salt, and weather exposure.
Quick One-Person Installation
Installation takes about 15 to 20 minutes with one person. The 186’s wider 8-foot beam is still manageable solo, though a second pair of hands makes the job faster. Drape from bow to stern, then secure with the included elastic hem cord and adjustable tie-down straps. The cover stays locked in place on trailers and in dry storage — ready for the next trip out.
Explore More Key West Covers
Browse all center console boat covers to find protection for any center console hull. Looking at other Key West models in this size range? Check out our Key West 1720 Sportsman center console cover for the lineup’s most iconic model. Comparing across families? See our Key West 186 Bay Reef center console cover — the same hull number in Key West’s bay boat series.
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