Malibu VLX 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu VLX 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu VLX 2009 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu VLX 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is certified for 12. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Malibu VLX 2009 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008. 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu VLX 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

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 VLX 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu VLX 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 VLX 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008

Malibu

Malibu VLX 2009

2009

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu VLX 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu VLX 2009 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 as v25 wake, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 400 hp for the Malibu VLX 2009 and 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. 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 Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu VLX 2009 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 VLX 2009 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

ModelVLX

ModelWakesetter 21 XTi

Model Year2009

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam100 in.

Beam98 in.

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Meters2.49

Beam - Inches100

Beam - Inches98

Draft [max] - Detail24 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches24

Length - Feet21

Length - Inches6

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Inches258

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,400 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1542.21

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3400

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu 320 LCR - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeV-drive

Drive typeInboard

Horsepower320 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max400 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI

Operational Info

Maximum people11

Maximum people12

Malibu VLX 2009 vs Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu VLX 2009 or the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu VLX 2009 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Malibu VLX 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 is certified for 12. 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 VLX 2009 measures 100" wide, compared to 98" for the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008. 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 VLX 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008?

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 VLX 2009 and Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu VLX 2009 and the Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 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 VLX 2009 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter 21 XTi 2008 full specs