Malibu LXi 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu LXi 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu LXi 2009 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu LXi 2009 tops out at 400 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 LXi 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Malibu LXi 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Malibu LXi 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 41 gallons on the Malibu LXi 2009. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Malibu LXi 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu LXi 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 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 LXi 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008

Malibu

Malibu LXi 2009

2009

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu LXi 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu LXi 2009 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 as v25 wake, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu LXi 2009's 400-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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 carries 55 gallons versus 41 gallons in the Malibu LXi 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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu LXi 2009 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 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 LXi 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

ModelLXi

ModelWakesetter 23 LSV

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam93.5 in.

Beam102 in.

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches93.5

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 - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters6.25

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches246

Length overall - Inches276

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,900 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1769.01

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3900

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu 320 LCR - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeV-drive

Horsepower320 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max400 hp

Engine max450 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

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

Operational Info

Maximum people9

Maximum people14

Malibu LXi 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu LXi 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu LXi 2009 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 3,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 is rated to a maximum of 450 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu LXi 2009 tops out at 400 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 LXi 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 94" for the Malibu LXi 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Malibu LXi 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 41 gallons on the Malibu LXi 2009. That 14-gallon difference translates to roughly 42–70 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Malibu LXi 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu LXi 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 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 LXi 2009 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2008 full specs