Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 vs Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 or the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 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 Wakesetter 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 tops out at 450 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 Wakesetter 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 and the Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 vs Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008

Malibu

Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010

2010

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Malibu

Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 vs Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 against a v25 diamond Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 has a 55-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008's 450-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 55 gal and 55 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 13 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

Model23 LSV Wakesetter

ModelSunscape 23 LSV

Model Year201

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. 0 in

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches276

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,800 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1723.65

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.38

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Diamond

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu Monsoon 350 - EFI-MPI with catalyst

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 max505 hp

Engine max450 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

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

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,885 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people13

Maximum people14

Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 vs Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 or the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 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 Wakesetter 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 tops out at 450 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 Wakesetter 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 and Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu 23 LSV Wakesetter 2010 and the Malibu Sunscape 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 Wakesetter 2010 full specs ← Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2008 full specs