Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008
2008
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VS
Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008
2008
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Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a cut diamond Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 against a v25 wake (cut diamond optional) Malibu Wakesetter VTX 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 at 2,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 at 2,0 ft. At 32 lbs and 33 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 400 hp for the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008. 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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 could be the deciding factor.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 0 lbs per hp for the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 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
MakeMalibu
ModelSunscape 20 LSV
ModelWakesetter VTX
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam98 in
Beam98 in
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches98
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches22
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail3,200 lbs
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs
Weight - kg1451.49
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - lbs.32
Weight - lbs.33
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet2
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches24
Length overall - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeCut Diamond
Hull typeV25 Wake (cut diamond optional)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI
Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeV-drive
Drive typeV-drive
Engine max400 hp
Engine max400 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people11
Maximum people1

Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008?
The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 is the longer of the two at 2,0 feet overall. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 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 VTX 2008?
For trailering, the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 33 lbs for the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008. 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 VTX 2008 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 0 lbs per hp for the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2008 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 VTX 2008?
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 VTX 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2008 and the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 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.