Can a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 tow a Key West 203 FS?
Yes
We estimate a loaded Key West 203 FS on its trailer at about 3,950 lb. 8 of 8 Sierra 1500 engine/package options pass with a 20% margin (for example the 2.7L TurboMax). Payload still needs checking against your door-jamb sticker: tongue weight plus two adults is about 695-892 lb.
Check your exact setup (add your door-sticker payload and real trailer weight)
Key West 203 FS loaded towing weight
| Weight (Key West) | 1,900 lb |
| Engine: Yamaha F200 (heaviest listed variant; also used for 175 HP), the heaviest Yamaha that covers the boat's 200 HP max | 568 lb |
| Fuel: 50 gal x 6.1 lb/gal (full tank) | 305 lb |
| Gear allowance: 10% (batteries, anchor, coolers, safety gear, T-top/options) | 277 lb |
| Trailer: ESTIMATE, 35% of boat + engine (no trailer weight published) | 900 lb |
| Estimated loaded trailer weight | 3,950 lb |
2026 GMC Sierra 1500 towing ratings vs this boat
| Engine / package | Published rating (lb) | Tow | Payload | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L TurboMax | 8,800–9,400 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 5.3L V8 | 9,100–9,800 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 5.3L V8 + Max Trailering Package | 10,800–11,200 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 6.2L V8 (not AT4X) | 8,900–9,000 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 6.2L V8 + Max Trailering Package | 11,700–13,100 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 3.0L Duramax diesel (not AT4X) | 8,700–9,300 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| 3.0L Duramax + Max Trailering Package | 11,600–13,300 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
| AT4X (6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax) | 8,500–8,700 | PASS | CHECK | PASS |
"Published rating" is the lowest–highest conventional (ball-hitch) rating GMC prints for that engine/package across cab, bed, drive and axle choices. PASS means the loaded trailer is at or under 80% of the lowest rating. GMC: ratings require a properly equipped vehicle; passengers, cargo and options reduce what you can tow.
Tongue weight vs payload
Tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer: about 395–592 lb. That comes out of your truck's payload along with everyone in the cab, so with two adults (300 lb) you need roughly 695–892 lb of payload before any cargo in the bed.
2.7L TurboMax PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 45% of the lowest published rating (8,800 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
5.3L V8 PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 43% of the lowest published rating (9,100 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
Some ratings need the MI2 10-speed or MT tires.
5.3L V8 + Max Trailering Package PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 37% of the lowest published rating (10,800 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
6.2L V8 (not AT4X) PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 44% of the lowest published rating (8,900 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
6.2L V8 + Max Trailering Package PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 34% of the lowest published rating (11,700 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
13,000-13,100 lb needs 20-in wheels.
3.0L Duramax diesel (not AT4X) PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 45% of the lowest published rating (8,700 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
3.0L Duramax + Max Trailering Package PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 34% of the lowest published rating (11,600 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
12,400-13,300 lb needs 20-in wheels.
AT4X (6.2L V8 or 3.0L Duramax) PASS
PASS 3,950 lb is 46% of the lowest published rating (8,500 lb), inside a 20% safety margin.
CHECK Payload isn't published in the maker's towing chart for this truck. Use the payload on your door-jamb sticker.
Confirm with your door-jamb sticker and owner's manual. Your exact truck's rating depends on cab, bed, drive, axle ratio, options and tires, and your boat's real weight depends on its engine, options, fuel and gear. When in doubt, weigh the rig at a CAT scale.
Gear you may need
Placeholder links (not affiliate links yet). Disclosure.
Trailer brake controller
Boat trailers over about 3,000 lb usually need working trailer brakes (check your state's law); an electric-over-hydraulic or electric setup needs a controller in the truck.
Class IV receiver hitch & ball mount
Match the ball mount drop to your trailer so the boat rides level; the hitch rating must cover the full loaded trailer.
Tongue weight scale
The only way to know your real tongue weight (10-15% of the loaded trailer) before it eats your payload.
Sources
- 2026 GMC Sierra 1500: GMC 2026 Sierra 1500 Max Conventional Trailering chart, checked 2026-10-29
- Key West 203 FS: Key West model page (Weight, fuel capacity, max HP), checked 2026-10-29
- Engine weight: Yamaha Outboards spec page (Yamaha F200 (heaviest listed variant; also used for 175 HP), 568 lb)
- Method and assumptions: How we calculate
Related checks
Other boats with a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500
- Key West 210 BR (~3,980 lb)
- Tidewater 1910 BM (~4,050 lb)
- Carolina Skiff 19 LS (~3,820 lb)
- Carolina Skiff 21 LS (~4,090 lb)
- Tidewater 198 CC (~4,100 lb)
- Yamaha 190 FSH Sport (~3,770 lb)