The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2022 vs Malibu Wakesetter 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 24 MXZ 2022 at 24,5 ft versus Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2006 at 23,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2022 tips the scales at 6 000 lbs — 5 963 lbs more than the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2006 at 37 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 607 hp, the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2022 has a 207-hp advantage over the Malibu Wakesetter 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 Boats Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2022 carries 82 gallons versus 47 gallons in the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2006. 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 Wakesetter 23 XTi 2006 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 24 MXZ 2022 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Wakesetter 23 XTi 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Wakesetter 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 24 MXZ 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.