Key West 188 Bay Reef CC Specifications
Dimensions: ~18'8" LOA | ~7'4" beam
Weight: ~1,600 lbs (dry)
Engine: Single outboard (115–150 HP)
Fuel Capacity: ~35 gallons
Hull Design: Modified-V with ~17° deadrise
Console: Center console (no T-top)
Status: Current production model
Dimensions: ~18'8" LOA | ~7'4" beam
Weight: ~1,600 lbs (dry)
Engine: Single outboard (115–150 HP)
Fuel Capacity: ~35 gallons
Hull Design: Modified-V with ~17° deadrise
Console: Center console (no T-top)
Status: Current production model
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 | 28 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 188 Bay Reef center console hull. It fits the approximately 18-foot-8-inch length with 7-foot-4-inch beam, wrapping over the center console and fully enclosing the outboard engine as one continuous piece.
Yes — the 188 Bay Reef is a current-production model in Key West's lineup, introduced in 2020 as the replacement for the 186 Bay Reef. Our cover fits all model years of the 188 BR.
The 188 Bay Reef 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.
The 188's modified-V hull with approximately 17 degrees of deadrise and 7-foot-4-inch beam creates a slightly narrower profile than other Bay Reef models. Our cover is pattern-cut to these exact dimensions, ensuring a tight fit with no excess fabric.
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 188's compact beam makes it especially easy to handle solo. Drape from bow to stern, then secure using the elastic hem cord and adjustable tie-down straps that buckle underneath the hull.
No — the front and rear livewells are below-deck systems that do not affect the external cover fit. The cover wraps around the exterior hull contours and protects all deck hardware, hatches, and fittings from the elements.
A center console mooring cover is a one-piece fitted cover that protects your entire boat while in storage. It shields the console, seating, deck hardware, and electronics from UV damage, rain, bird droppings, pollen, and debris — extending the life of your upholstery, gel coat, and onboard equipment.
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.
Key West 188 Bay Reef Center Console Boat Cover (Current Production Model)
The Key West 188 Bay Reef is an 18-foot-8-inch inshore bay boat built for shallow-water fishing along the coast. With a 7-foot-4-inch beam and a dry weight around 1,600 pounds, this current-production model features a modified-V hull with approximately 17 degrees of deadrise, a single outboard between 115 and 150 horsepower, and roughly 35 gallons of fuel capacity. Key West’s no-wood fiberglass construction and foam-injected stringer system give the 188 Bay Reef a 10-year hull warranty and a reputation for low-maintenance durability that inshore anglers count on season after season.
Our custom-fitted mooring cover wraps the entire 188 Bay Reef as one continuous piece of fabric. The cover rises smoothly over the center console, slopes gradually toward the stern, and extends past the transom to fully enclose the outboard 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 V-bottom hull exposed. Pattern-cut to the 188’s specific dimensions, the cover sheds rain and resists wind without pooling or flapping.
Current Model — Maximum Protection from Day One
Whether your 188 Bay Reef is fresh from the dealer or has a few seasons behind it, our cover keeps it looking showroom-new. 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. Drape the cover from bow to stern over the center console, then secure with the included elastic hem cord and adjustable tie-down straps. The 188’s compact 7-foot-4-inch beam makes it easy for one person to handle, and the cover stays locked in place on trailers, boat lifts, and dry storage racks.
Explore the Bay Reef Lineup
Browse all Key West boat covers to find the right cover for any model in the lineup. Moving up in size? Check out our Key West 196 Bay Reef center console cover for the next step in the Bay Reef family. If your 188 has a T-top installed, see our Key West 188 Bay Reef T-Top cover for full overhead structure protection.
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