Both the SouthWind 229 L 2011 and the SouthWind 229 L 2012 are tri-hull designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - SouthWind 229 L 2011 at 22,8 ft versus SouthWind 229 L 2012 at 22,8 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SouthWind 229 L 2012 tips the scales at 4 700 lbs - 1 200 lbs less than the SouthWind 229 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the SouthWind 229 L 2011 has a 135-hp advantage over the SouthWind 229 L 2012'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.
Both boats are rated for 12 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the SouthWind 229 L 2011 and its 250-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the SouthWind 229 L 2012 with its 115-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.