Both the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 at 23,0 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 tips the scales at 4 100 lbs - 500 lbs less 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 400 hp, the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012's 350-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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 carries 53 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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 is rated for 15 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 Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 LSV 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 15 passengers and at 23,0 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.