Both the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 and the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 at 23,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 at 24,6 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 tips the scales at 4 200 lbs - 300 lbs less than the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 at 3 900 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 Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 tops out at 555 hp. Engine specs for the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 carries 78 gallons versus 56 gallons in the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012. 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 Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 caps at 15. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 17 passengers and at 24,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu 23 vRIDE 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 15 that costs less to run day-to-day.