Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 vs Malibu VLX 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu VLX 2010 is the longer of the two at 21,5 feet overall. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 comes in at 21,0 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 VLX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 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 Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu VLX 2010 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Malibu VLX 2010 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005. 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and Malibu VLX 2010?

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.

Q: Are the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and Malibu VLX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and the Malibu VLX 2010 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 Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 vs Malibu VLX 2010

Malibu

Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005

2005

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Malibu

Malibu VLX 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 vs Malibu VLX 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and the Malibu VLX 2010 are modified-V designs, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu VLX 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005's 400-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. 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 21 LSV 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu VLX 2010 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 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 VLX 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeMalibu

ModelSunscape 21 LSV

ModelVLX

Model Year2005

Model Year2010

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam98 in.

Beam100 in.

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches98

Beam - Inches100

Draft [max] - Detail24 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs.

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.3500

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet21.5

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches258

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard320 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeV-drive

Engine max400 hp

Engine max505 hp

Engine makenot available

Engine makeMalibu 330 LCR - EFI-MPI

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower330 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people12

Maximum people11

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,654 lbs.

Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 vs Malibu VLX 2010 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu VLX 2010 is the longer of the two at 21,5 feet overall. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 comes in at 21,0 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 VLX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 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 Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu VLX 2010 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Malibu VLX 2010 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005. 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and Malibu VLX 2010?

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 21 LSV 2005 and Malibu VLX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 and the Malibu VLX 2010 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 Sunscape 21 LSV 2005 full specs ← Malibu VLX 2010 full specs