Both the SouthWind 201 FS 2013 and the SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 measures 25,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the SouthWind 201 FS 2013 at 20,1 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 tips the scales at 5 100 lbs - 700 lbs less than the SouthWind 201 FS 2013 at 4 400 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 200 hp, the SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 has a 85-hp advantage over the SouthWind 201 FS 2013'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 2400 SD 2012 carries 55 gallons versus 50 gallons in the SouthWind 201 FS 2013. 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 2400 SD 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 201 FS 2013 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 2400 SD 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 25,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SouthWind 201 FS 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.