The SouthWind 212 SD 2012 is a modified-V design and the SouthWind 2290 L 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 212 SD 2012 at 20,5 ft versus SouthWind 2290 L 2011 at 22,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 212 SD 2012 tips the scales at 3 700 lbs - 200 lbs more than the SouthWind 2290 L 2011 at 3 500 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 115 hp for the SouthWind 212 SD 2012 and 115 hp for the SouthWind 2290 L 2011. 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 - 50 gal and 50 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The SouthWind 2290 L 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 212 SD 2012 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 2290 L 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 2290 L 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 212 SD 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.