The SouthWind 212 Sport Deck 2007 vs SouthWind 229 LC 2013 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - SouthWind 212 Sport Deck 2007 at 20,0 ft versus SouthWind 229 LC 2013 at 22,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 tips the scales at 4 700 lbs - 2 200 lbs less than the SouthWind 212 Sport Deck 2007 at 2 500 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the SouthWind 212 Sport Deck 2007 has a 110-hp advantage over the SouthWind 229 LC 2013's 115-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. 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 229 LC 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the SouthWind 212 Sport Deck 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 LC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 229 LC 2013 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 Sport Deck 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.