The Yellowfin 29 2012 is a deep-V design and the Yellowfin 40 2013 is a rigid inflatable 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Yellowfin 40 2013 measures 40,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 9,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Yellowfin 29 2012 at 30,9 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Yellowfin 40 2013 tips the scales at 10 500 lbs - 3 100 lbs less than the Yellowfin 29 2012 at 7 400 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 1 050 hp, the Yellowfin 40 2013 has a 350-hp advantage over the Yellowfin 29 2012's 700-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Yellowfin 40 2013 carries 400 gallons versus 250 gallons in the Yellowfin 29 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 Yellowfin 40 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Yellowfin 29 2012 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Yellowfin 40 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Yellowfin 40 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 40,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Yellowfin 29 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.