The Malibu Boats M240 2022 vs Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Malibu Boats M240 2022 at 24,0 ft versus Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 at 21,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats M240 2022 tips the scales at 6 200 lbs — 1 900 lbs more than the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 at 4 300 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 607 hp, the Malibu Boats M240 2022 has a 197-hp advantage over the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017's 410-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Boats M240 2022 is rated for 7 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Boats M240 2022 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Boats M240 2022 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 7 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 22 VLX 2017 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.