The Malibu 247 LSV Sunscape 2009 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.
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 247 LSV Sunscape 2009'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 87 gallons in the Malibu 247 LSV Sunscape 2009. 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 247 LSV Sunscape 2009 is rated for 16 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 247 LSV Sunscape 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu 247 LSV Sunscape 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 16 passengers and at 24,0 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.