The SouthWind 201 FS 2008 is a pontoon design and the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 - SouthWind 201 FS 2008 at 20,0 ft versus SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 tips the scales at 3 359 lbs - 159 lbs less than the SouthWind 201 FS 2008 at 3 200 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 has a 110-hp advantage over the SouthWind 201 FS 2008's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 35 gallons in the SouthWind 201 FS 2008. 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 SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 is rated for 10 passengers, while the SouthWind 201 FS 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 2200 SD 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SouthWind 201 FS 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.