The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 MLX 2021 vs Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2005 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 21 MLX 2021 at 21,6 ft versus Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2005 at 21,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 MLX 2021 tips the scales at 4 500 lbs — 4 467 lbs more than the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2005 at 33 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 450 hp, the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 MLX 2021 has a 50-hp advantage over the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2005'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 — 48 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 2005 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 21 MLX 2021 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 LXi 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Sunsetter LXi 2005 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 Boats Wakesetter 21 MLX 2021 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.