SouthWind 2290 L 2009 vs SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

The SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is the longer of the two at 27,5 feet overall. The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 comes in at 22,8 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

For trailering, the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 tops out at 115 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012. That 28-gallon difference translates to roughly 84–140 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 are built by SouthWind. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

SouthWind 2290 L 2009 vs SouthWind 2600 SD 2012

SouthWind

SouthWind 2290 L 2009

2009

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SouthWind

SouthWind 2600 SD 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

SouthWind 2290 L 2009 vs SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a tri-hull SouthWind 2290 L 2009 against a modified vee SouthWind 2600 SD 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 measures 27,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 at 22,8 feet (2009). At 35 lbs and 56 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 225 hp, the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 has a 110-hp advantage over the SouthWind 2290 L 2009'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 2290 L 2009 carries 35 gallons versus 7 gallons in the SouthWind 2600 SD 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 2012 is rated for 13 passengers, while the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 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 2290 L 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeSouthWind

Model2290 L

Model2600 SD

Model Year2009

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise12℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [drive up] - Detail10 in

Draft [drive up] - Detail15 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.25

Draft [drive up] meters0.38

Draft [drive up] inches1

Draft [drive up] inches15

Draft [max] - Detail30 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.76

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches3

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs

Weight - Detail4,191 lbs. dry 5,600 lbs. wet

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - lbs.35

Weight - lbs.56

Length - Feet22.75

Length - Feet27.5

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 9 in

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters6.93

Length overall - Meters8.38

Length overall - Inches273

Length overall - Inches33

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Detail51 in

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.3

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches51

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeTri-Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeOutboard

Engine max115 - 225 hp

Engine max225 - 300 hp

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,550 lbs

Maximum capacity2,700 lbs

Maximum people11

Maximum people13

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity12.5 gal

SouthWind 2290 L 2009 vs SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

The SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is the longer of the two at 27,5 feet overall. The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 comes in at 22,8 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

For trailering, the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 56 lbs for the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is rated to a maximum of 225 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 tops out at 115 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 or the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012?

The SouthWind 2290 L 2009 has the bigger tank at 35 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012. That 28-gallon difference translates to roughly 84–140 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the SouthWind 2290 L 2009 and the SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 are built by SouthWind. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← SouthWind 2290 L 2009 full specs ← SouthWind 2600 SD 2012 full specs