Matching a deep vee Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009 against a modified vee Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009 at 29,5 ft versus Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 at 29,9 ft. At 88 lbs and 9 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 260 hp, the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 has a 35-hp advantage over the Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009's 225-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 carries 125 gallons versus 23 gallons in the Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Baha Cruisers 299 SF IB 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 29,9 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Baha Cruisers 296 Catamaran - Tournament Edition 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.