Key West 268 — Quick-Reference Specs
- Boat Model: Key West 268
- Cover Type: T-Top Boat Cover
- Length Overall (LOA): 26' 8"
- Beam: 8' 8"
- Dry Weight: ~3700 lbs
Cover Features
- Fabric Options: 9oz solution-dyed marine fabric or premium Sunbrella acrylic
- Coverage Type: T-Top cover wraps hull below hardtop; hardtop remains exposed
- Construction: Reinforced stitching, hem cord at rubrail, adjustable tie-down straps
- Durability: Solution-dyed fabric (5–7 years); Sunbrella acrylic (8–10 years)
- Fit: Custom-fitted to Key West 268 specifications
- Protection: UV-resistant, water-repellent, mildew-resistant, breathable
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 | 36 lbs |
|---|
Install
Please watch the video below for installation instructions!
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Frequently Asked Questions
The T-Top cover terminates at the transom area forward of your twin outboards. Both engines remain fully exposed and accessible. The cover's aft edge is pattern-cut to accommodate the 268's wider transom and twin motor configuration, ensuring a clean fit without interfering with engine access, fuel lines, or steering hardware.
Yes. The cover wraps the entire cabin and deck area below the T-Top hardtop, which includes your helm station, electronics console, GPS, fishfinder, VHF radio, and all navigation equipment. These electronics are the most expensive components to replace when damaged by UV and salt exposure, so protecting them with a fitted cover is a smart investment.
The wider beam means more fabric surface area, which makes the cover slightly heavier than those for smaller boats. However, the installation process is the same—drape from center over the T-Top frame and work toward bow and stern. Having a helper is recommended for the first few installations. Most 268 owners complete the process in about 20 minutes.
The cover is designed to shed water naturally due to the T-Top frame's shape creating a pitched surface. The solution-dyed marine fabric is water-resistant and the tie-down system keeps the cover taut to minimize pooling. In very heavy or prolonged rain, we recommend checking for any minor pooling and adjusting tension as needed. The fabric's breathability also prevents moisture buildup underneath.
Yes. The 268's fuel system access points, including the fill and gauge, are located within the deck area that falls under the cover's protection zone. The cover shields these components from UV degradation, salt spray, and rain, preventing corrosion around fuel fittings and keeping the fill area clean.
Contact our sales team for current warranty details specific to your cover order. Our solution-dyed marine fabric covers are built to last 5–7 years under normal storage conditions with basic seasonal maintenance. Warranty coverage typically addresses manufacturing defects in fabric, seams, and hardware components.
The 268's stepped hull creates unique hull contours that require precise pattern engineering. Our team accounts for these stepped transitions when cutting the fabric, ensuring the cover drapes properly over the hull's distinctive shape without bunching or leaving exposed gaps. The reinforced stress points at the stepped sections provide extra durability where the fabric transitions over these hull features.
The T-Top cover is designed as full coverage protection for storage. To access rod storage, tackle hatches, or under-gunwale compartments, you'll need to partially or fully remove the cover. The quick-release tie-down system makes partial removal straightforward—you can unclip one side for access without fully removing the cover from the T-Top frame.
Yes. In addition to T-Top covers, we offer center console curtains that provide additional shade and privacy for the helm area. These curtains work alongside the T-Top cover to provide comprehensive protection. Visit our center console curtain page for details on compatible enclosure options for the 268.
Rinse the cover quarterly with fresh water to remove salt crystal buildup. For stubborn salt deposits, use a soft brush with mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the cover to air dry completely before folding or storing. Avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals, which can damage the solution-dyed fabric's protective coatings. Regular rinsing is the most effective maintenance step.
Key West 268 T-Top Boat Cover – Premium Protection for Your Twin-Engine Center Console
Built to Protect a Serious Offshore Platform
The Key West 268 is a formidable offshore center console—a 27-foot platform with a 9”8” beam and twin outboard power rated up to 450 HP. With 180 gallons of fuel capacity and a stepped deep-V hull, the 268 was designed for extended offshore runs and serious fishing expeditions. Boats of this caliber carry substantial investments in electronics, navigation equipment, and fishing gear—all of which sit exposed to sun, salt, and weather when the boat is docked or stored. Our custom T-Top cover is precision-engineered to the 268’s exact hull dimensions, providing comprehensive protection for the entire cabin and deck area below the hardtop.
T-Top Cover Design for Larger Hulls
The T-Top cover wraps the 268’s substantial cabin and deck area below your boat’s hardtop frame, leaving the hardtop fully exposed. Precision-cut openings at each T-Top leg allow the frame to pass through without restriction. For a boat the size of the 268, this level of dedicated protection is critical—the larger cabin area means more electronics, more upholstery, and more hardware exposed to the elements. Your GPS, radar, fishfinder, VHF radio, helm seating, leaning post, livewells, and all deck surfaces are shielded from UV radiation, salt spray, and rain. Over seasons of coastal storage, the difference between a covered and uncovered boat in this size class is dramatic—both in appearance and in maintenance costs.
Heavy-Duty Fabric for Demanding Conditions
The 268’s wider beam and greater surface area require heavier-gauge solution-dyed marine fabric to ensure durability under increased wind load. Our fabric is UV-resistant and mildew-treated, with reinforced stress points at every T-Top leg cutout and tie-down loop. The material allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup while maintaining a watertight exterior barrier. All seams are double-stitched and sealed for long-term performance. This construction ensures your cover provides reliable protection for 5–7 years or longer, even in harsh offshore marina environments where salt air is constant.
Installation and Color Options
Installation takes about 20 minutes with a helper for the first few times. The cover includes heavy-duty tie-down loops positioned around the perimeter, ready for stainless steel carabiners or fasteners. We offer three premium fade-resistant colors: Navy Blue, Black, and Charcoal Gray. Explore our center console cover gallery to see the 268 alongside other boats in this class, compare it to the 263 FS T-Top cover for a similar-sized family sportsman model, or check out the 261 Billistic T-Top cover for Key West’s high-performance alternative in this size range.
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