Matching a tri-hull SouthWind 201 FS 2009 against a modified vee SouthWind 229 LC 2013 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 — SouthWind 201 FS 2009 at 20,1 ft versus SouthWind 229 LC 2013 at 22,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 tips the scales at 4 700 lbs — 1 500 lbs less than the SouthWind 201 FS 2009 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the SouthWind 201 FS 2009 and 115 hp for the SouthWind 229 LC 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 carries 50 gallons versus 35 gallons in the SouthWind 201 FS 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 SouthWind 229 LC 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 201 FS 2009 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 22,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SouthWind 201 FS 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.