Matching a modified vee Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 against a v25 wake Malibu Wakesetter 23 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 measures 23,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 21,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). At 32 lbs and 37 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 — 410 hp for the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 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 — 48 gal and 47 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 23,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunscape 20 LSV 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.