Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 vs Malibu VTX 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 or the Malibu VTX 2010?

The Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu VTX 2010 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 12 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.

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

Both the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 2010 share an 98 in. (2.49 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 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.

Boat Comparison

Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 vs Malibu VTX 2010

Malibu

Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006

2006

View full specs →

Malibu

Malibu VTX 2010

2010

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 vs Malibu VTX 2010: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats

Both the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 and the Malibu VTX 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 VTX 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006'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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 is rated for 12 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 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 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

ModelSunsetter LXi

ModelVTX

Model Year2006

Model Year2010

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam98 in. (2.49 m)

Beam98 in.

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches98

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (.61 m)

Draft [max] - Detail22 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Meters0.56

Draft [max] - Inches24

Draft [max] - Inches22

Weight - Detail3,300 lbs. (1,497 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1496.85

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.3300

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Meters6.55

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet20

Length - Inches6

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)

Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Meters6.1

Length overall - Inches258

Length overall - Inches240

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMalibu LCR 320 hp EFI-MPI

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal. (174 l)

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 people10

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,450 lbs.

Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 vs Malibu VTX 2010 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 or the Malibu VTX 2010?

The Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu VTX 2010 comes in at 20,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 12 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.

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

Both the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 2010 share an 98 in. (2.49 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 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 Sunsetter LXi 2006 and Malibu VTX 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 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.

← Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2006 full specs ← Malibu VTX 2010 full specs