Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011
2011
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VS
Malibu VTX 2010 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu VTX 2010
2010
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Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 vs Malibu VTX 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 and the Malibu VTX 2010 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, 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 VTX 2010 has a 95-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011's 410-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 48 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 2011 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu VTX 2010 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 21,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu VTX 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeMalibu
MakeMalibu
ModelSunscape 21 LSV
ModelVTX
Model Year2011
Model Year2010
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam100 in.
Beam98 in.
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches100
Beam - Inches98
Draft [max] - Detail24 in.
Draft [max] - Detail22 in.
Draft [max] - Meters0.61
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches24
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail3,400 lbs.
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1542.21
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.3400
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet21.5
Length - Feet20
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in.
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in.
Length overall - Meters6.55
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches258
Length overall - Inches240
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine modelMalibu 330 LCR
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeV-drive
Drive typeV-drive
Horsepower330 hp
Horsepower330 hp
Engine max410 hp
Engine max505 hp
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMalibu 330 LCR - EFI-MPI
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,750 lbs.
Maximum capacity1,450 lbs.
Maximum people14
Maximum people10

Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 vs Malibu VTX 2010 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 or the Malibu VTX 2010?
The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 is the longer of the two at 21,5 feet overall. The Malibu VTX 2010 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 1,5 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Malibu VTX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 tops out at 410 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 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu VTX 2010 is certified for 10. 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 Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Malibu VTX 2010. 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 2011 and Malibu VTX 2010?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 48 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 2011 and Malibu VTX 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Malibu Sunscape 21 LSV 2011 and the Malibu VTX 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.