Malibu VLX 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Malibu VLX 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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 VLX 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 is certified for 14. 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 100" for the Malibu VLX 2010. 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 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 46 gallons and 47 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 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu VLX 2010 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 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 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008

Malibu

Malibu VLX 2010

2010

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Malibu

Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Malibu VLX 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The spec sheets list the Malibu VLX 2010 as modified vee and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 as v25 wake, so check how each hull rides in the conditions you use before you decide.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 505 hp, the Malibu VLX 2010 has a 105-hp advantage over the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008'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 47 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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

ModelVLX

ModelWakesetter 23 XTi

Model Year2010

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam100 in.

Beam102 in.

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches100

Beam - Inches102

Draft [max] - Detail24 in.

Draft [max] - Detail27 in.

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Meters0.69

Draft [max] - Inches24

Draft [max] - Inches27

Length - Feet21.5

Length - Feet23

Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in.

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 0 in.

Length overall - Meters6.55

Length overall - Meters7.01

Length overall - Inches258

Length overall - Inches276

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail3,700 lbs.

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1678.29

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.3700

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeV25 Wake

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMalibu 330 LCR - EFI-MPI

Engine makenot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail47 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13

Fuel tank capacity - Liters177.91

Fuel tank capacity - Gal46

Fuel tank capacity - Gal47

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeV-drive

Drive typeInboard

Horsepower330 hp

Horsepowernot available

Engine max505 hp

Engine max400 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMalibu Monsoon 340 - 340 hp, EFI-MPI with catalyst

Operational Info

Maximum capacity1,654 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people11

Maximum people14

Malibu VLX 2010 vs Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Malibu VLX 2010 or the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

The Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 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 VLX 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 is certified for 14. 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 measures 102" wide, compared to 100" for the Malibu VLX 2010. 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 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 46 gallons and 47 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 2010 and Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Malibu VLX 2010 and the Malibu Wakesetter 23 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 2010 full specs ← Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2008 full specs