Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 vs Malibu VLX 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu VLX 2010 comes in at 21,5 feet, making it roughly 1,5 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 23 LSV 2006 tops out at 450 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 23 LSV 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 14 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 and Malibu VLX 2010 share an 100 in. (2.54 m) 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 46 gallons on the Malibu VLX 2010. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 and Malibu VLX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 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 23 LSV 2006 vs Malibu VLX 2010

Malibu

Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006

2006

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Malibu

Malibu VLX 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 vs Malibu VLX 2010 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 and the Malibu VLX 2010 are modified vee designs with composite construction — 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 55-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006's 450-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 carries 55 gallons versus 46 gallons in the Malibu VLX 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 is rated for 14 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 23 LSV 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 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 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 23 LSV

ModelVLX

Model Year2006

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam100 in. (2.54 m)

Beam100 in

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches1

Draft [max] - Detail27 in. (.69 m)

Draft [max] - Detail24 in

Draft [max] - Meters0.69

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches27

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail3,800 lbs. (1,724 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1723.65

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.38

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters7.01

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet23

Length - Feet21.5

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in. (7.01 m)

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches276

Length overall - Inches258

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMalibu Monsoon 340 hp EFI-MPI

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeV-drive

Engine max450 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 people14

Maximum people11

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,654 lbs

Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 vs Malibu VLX 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 is the longer of the two at 23,0 feet overall. The Malibu VLX 2010 comes in at 21,5 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 VLX 2010 is rated to a maximum of 505 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 tops out at 450 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 23 LSV 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 14 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 and Malibu VLX 2010 share an 100 in. (2.54 m) 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 or the Malibu VLX 2010?

The Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 46 gallons on the Malibu VLX 2010. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 and Malibu VLX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Malibu Sunscape 23 LSV 2006 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 23 LSV 2006 full specs ← Malibu VLX 2010 full specs