Matching a modified vee SouthWind 212 SD 2009 against a tri-hull SouthWind 229 L 2012 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 212 SD 2009 at 20,5 ft versus SouthWind 229 L 2012 at 22,8 ft. At 25 lbs and 47 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 115 hp for the SouthWind 212 SD 2009 and 115 hp for the SouthWind 229 L 2012. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SouthWind 229 L 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 212 SD 2009 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 229 L 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 229 L 2012 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 212 SD 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.