The Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 vs Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 measures 26,5 feet overall (2024), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 at 23,0 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 tips the scales at 7 000 lbs — 6 961 lbs less than the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 at 39 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 606 hp, the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 has a 156-hp advantage over the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013's 450-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 Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 carries 115 gallons versus 56 gallons in the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu 23 RIDE 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 26 LSV 2024 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.