Both the SouthWind 201 L 2010 and the SouthWind 201 LX 2011 are tri-hull 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?
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the SouthWind 201 LX 2011 has a 85-hp advantage over the SouthWind 201 L 2010'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 201 LX 2011 carries 50 gallons versus 35 gallons in the SouthWind 201 L 2010. 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 201 LX 2011 is rated for 10 passengers, while the SouthWind 201 L 2010 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 201 LX 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 201 LX 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 20,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SouthWind 201 L 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.