The SouthWind 201FS Hybrid 2007 is a pontoon design and the SouthWind 229 FX 2011 is a tri-hull 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 201FS Hybrid 2007 at 20,0 ft versus SouthWind 229 FX 2011 at 22,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 229 FX 2011 tips the scales at 3 500 lbs - 300 lbs less than the SouthWind 201FS Hybrid 2007 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 250 hp, the SouthWind 229 FX 2011 has a 100-hp advantage over the SouthWind 201FS Hybrid 2007's 150-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 229 FX 2011 carries 50 gallons versus 35 gallons in the SouthWind 201FS Hybrid 2007. 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 FX 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 201FS Hybrid 2007 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 229 FX 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 229 FX 2011 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 201FS Hybrid 2007 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.