Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is certified for 14. 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 share an 102 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 55 gallons and 55 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008

Malibu

Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009

2009

View full specs →

Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 as v25 wake, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 450 hp for the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and 450 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 55 gal and 55 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 14 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 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

Model23 LSV Sunscape

ModelWakesetter 23 LSV

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam102 in.

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail27 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.69

Draft [max] - Inches27

Length - Feet23

Length overall - Detail23 ft.

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches276

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,900 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1769.01

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3900

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu Monsoon 350 - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeV-drive

Horsepower350 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max450 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu Monsoon 340 - 340 hp, EFI-MPI with catalyst

Operational Info

Maximum people14

Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 comes in at 23,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is certified for 14. 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 share an 102 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 55 gallons and 55 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 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 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 full specs