The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 vs Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 at 20,0 ft versus Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 tips the scales at 3 950 lbs — 3 914 lbs more than the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 at 36 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 430 hp, the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 has a 30-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006'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 Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 carries 47 gallons versus 39 gallons in the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020. 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 Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunsetter 23 XTi 2006 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 Boats Wakesetter 20 VTX 2020 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.