Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is certified for 12. 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 21 XTi 2008 measures 98" wide, compared to 94" for the Malibu LXi 2010. 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 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 has the bigger tank at 46 gallons, versus 41 gallons on the Malibu LXi 2010. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu LXi 2010 and the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 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 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008

Malibu

Malibu LXi 2010

2010

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Malibu LXi 2010 against a v25 wake Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu LXi 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008'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 21 XTi 2008 carries 46 gallons versus 41 gallons in the Malibu LXi 2010. 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 21 XTi 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu LXi 2010 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 21 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 21,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu LXi 2010 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 21 XTi

Model Year201

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam93.5 in

Beam98 in

Beam - Meters2.39

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches93.5

Beam - Inches98

Draft [max] - Detail22 in

Draft [max] - Detail24 in

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. 6 in

Length overall - Meters6.25

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches246

Length overall - Inches258

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,400 lbs

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1542.21

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.34

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu 330 LCR - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail41 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters155.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal41

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeInboard

Horsepower330 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max505 hp

Engine max400 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,265 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people9

Maximum people12

Malibu LXi 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu LXi 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is certified for 12. 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 21 XTi 2008 measures 98" wide, compared to 94" for the Malibu LXi 2010. 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 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 has the bigger tank at 46 gallons, versus 41 gallons on the Malibu LXi 2010. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Malibu LXi 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu LXi 2010 and the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 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 2010 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 full specs