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

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

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 tops out at 400 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 Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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 XTi 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 47 gallons on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

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

Malibu

Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009

2009

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

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

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

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008's 400-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and its 450-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 with its 400-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

Model23 LSV Sunscape

ModelWakesetter 23 XTi

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 - Detail3,700 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1678.29

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3700

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 - Detail47 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal47

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeV-drive

Drive typeInboard

Horsepower350 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max450 hp

Engine max400 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 XTi 2008 - Common Questions

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

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 tops out at 400 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 Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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 XTi 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

The Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 47 gallons on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Malibu 23 LSV Sunscape 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

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