The SouthWind 201 FS 2009 is a tri-hull design and the SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 is a pontoon 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 2009 at 20,1 ft versus SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 at 22,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 tips the scales at 3 500 lbs - 300 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 has a 110-hp advantage over the SouthWind 201 FS 2009's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 35 gal and 35 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 is rated for 11 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 229FF Hybrid 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 229FF Hybrid 2007 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 22,0 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.