Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Malibu FXi 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The spec sheets list the Malibu FXi 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 400 hp for the Malibu FXi 2009 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 46 gal and 47 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu FXi 2009 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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 FXi 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
ModelFXi
ModelWakesetter 23 XTi
Model Year2009
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches98.2
Beam - Inches102
Draft [max] - Detail22 in.
Draft [max] - Detail27 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.69
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches27
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet23
Length overall - Detail20 ft.
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Inches240
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 materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeV25 Wake
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMalibu 320 LCR - EFI-MPI
Engine makenot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal47
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeInboard
Horsepower320 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine max400 hp
Engine max400 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMalibu Monsoon 340 - 340 hp, EFI-MPI with catalyst
Operational Info
Maximum people10
Maximum people14