Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu vRide 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu vRide 2006?

The Malibu vRide 2006 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu LXi 2010 comes in at 20,5 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu LXi 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu vRide 2006 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 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu vRide 2006 is certified for 1. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu vRide 2006 share an 93.5 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu vRide 2006?

The Malibu LXi 2010 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Malibu vRide 2006. That 6-gallon difference translates to roughly 18–30 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu vRide 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu LXi 2010 and the Malibu vRide 2006 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 2010 vs Malibu vRide 2006

Malibu

Malibu LXi 2010

2010

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Malibu

Malibu vRide 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu vRide 2006 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Malibu LXi 2010 and the Malibu vRide 2006 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — 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?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu LXi 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu vRide 2006'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 LXi 2010 carries 41 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Malibu vRide 2006. 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 LXi 2010 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu vRide 2006 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu LXi 2010 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu LXi 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 20,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu vRide 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

ModelLXi

ModelvRide

Model Year201

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam93.5 in

Beam93.5 in. (2.37 m)

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Inches93.5

Draft [max] - Detail22 in

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (.61 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.56

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches22

Draft [max] - Inches24

Length - Feet20.5

Length - Feet21

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 0 in. (6.40 m)

Length overall - Meters6.25

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Inches246

Length overall - Inches252

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,000 lbs. (1,361 kg)

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1360.78

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.4

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu 330 LCR - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Horsepower330 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max505 hp

Engine max400 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu LCR 320 hp EFI-MPI

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,265 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people9

Maximum people1

Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu vRide 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu vRide 2006?

The Malibu vRide 2006 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu LXi 2010 comes in at 20,5 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Malibu LXi 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu vRide 2006 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 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu vRide 2006 is certified for 1. 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu vRide 2006 share an 93.5 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu vRide 2006?

The Malibu LXi 2010 has the bigger tank at 41 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Malibu vRide 2006. That 6-gallon difference translates to roughly 18–30 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu vRide 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu LXi 2010 and the Malibu vRide 2006 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 2010 full specs ← Malibu vRide 2006 full specs