The spec sheets list the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 as v25 and the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 as modified vee, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 at 24,0 ft versus Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 tips the scales at 3 900 lbs - 300 lbs more than the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 at 3 600 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 450 hp, the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005's 400-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 247 LSV 2008 carries 87 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005. 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 247 LSV 2008 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunscape 247 LSV 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 16 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 14 that costs less to run day-to-day.