The Malibu 21 LSV 2009 vs Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 VLX 2021 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 400 hp, the Malibu 21 LSV 2009 has a 40-hp advantage over the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 VLX 2021's 360-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 46 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu 21 LSV 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 VLX 2021 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu 21 LSV 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu 21 LSV 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 VLX 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.