Matching a tri-hull SouthWind 229 FS 2012 against a modified vee SouthWind 2600 SD 2010 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SouthWind 2600 SD 2010 measures 27,5 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the SouthWind 229 FS 2012 at 22,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 2600 SD 2010 tips the scales at 4 191 lbs — 4 144 lbs less than the SouthWind 229 FS 2012 at 47 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 2600 SD 2010 has a 110-hp advantage over the SouthWind 229 FS 2012'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 2600 SD 2010 carries 77 gallons versus 5 gallons in the SouthWind 229 FS 2012. 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 2600 SD 2010 is rated for 13 passengers, while the SouthWind 229 FS 2012 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 2600 SD 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 2600 SD 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 27,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SouthWind 229 FS 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.