Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

For trailering, the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 has the edge at 3 500 lbs dry weight versus 3 600 lbs for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008. 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: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 has a documented max rating of 400 hp. Engine specifications for the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 is certified for 11. 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 Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 share an 98 in. (2.49 m) 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 46 gallons and 46 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 are built by Malibu. 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

Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008

Malibu

Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008

2008

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 as v25 wake, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 at 21,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 at 21,0 ft. At 3 500 lbs and 3 600 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 Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 tops out at 400 hp. Engine specs for the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 46 gal and 46 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 11 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: The Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

Model21 vRide (2009)

ModelWakesetter VLX

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam98 in. (2.49 m)

Beam98 in.

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches98

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (0.61 m)

Draft [max] - Detail24 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg)

Weight - Detail3,600 lbs.

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - kg1632.93

Weight - lbs.3500

Weight - lbs.3600

Length - Meters6.55

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet21

Length - Inches6

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches258

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal. (174 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeInboard

Drive typeV-drive

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI

Engine maxnot available

Engine max400 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people11

Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

For trailering, the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 has the edge at 3 500 lbs dry weight versus 3 600 lbs for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008. 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 has a documented max rating of 400 hp. Engine specifications for the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 is certified for 11. 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 Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 share an 98 in. (2.49 m) 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 46 gallons and 46 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 and the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 are built by Malibu. 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.

← Malibu 21 vRide (2009) 2008 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 full specs