Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008
2008
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VS
Malibu Wakesetter VLX  2006 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006
2006
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Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 as cut diamond and the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 as modified vee, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 at 20,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 tips the scales at 3 600 lbs - 400 lbs less than the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 at 3 200 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 400 hp for the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006. 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 46 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeMalibu
MakeMalibu
ModelSunscape 20 LSV
ModelWakesetter VLX
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam98 in.
Beam98 in. (2.49 m)
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches98
Draft [max] - Detail22 in.
Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (.61 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.61
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches24
Weight - Detail3,200 lbs.
Weight - Detail3,600 lbs. (1,633 kg)
Weight - kg1451.49
Weight - kg1632.93
Weight - lbs.3200
Weight - lbs.3600
Length - Feet20
Length - Feet21
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters6.55
Length overall - Inches240
Length overall - Inches258
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters6.55
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeCut Diamond
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI
Engine/s standardMalibu LCR 320 hp EFI-MPI
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal. (174 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeV-drive
Drive typeI/O
Engine max400 hp
Engine max400 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people11
Maximum people11

Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006?
The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006?
For trailering, the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 has the edge at 3 200 lbs dry weight versus 3 600 lbs for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 is certified for 11. 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 Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 share an 98 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 46 gallons and 46 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 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.