The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 vs Malibu Response TXi 2012 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.
The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 carries a rated maximum of 410 hp. Engine data for the Malibu Response TXi 2012 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 carries 87 gallons versus 40 gallons in the Malibu Response TXi 2012. 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 Response TXi 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Malibu Boats Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Malibu Response TXi 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Malibu Response TXi 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 20,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Malibu Boats Wakesetter 247 LSV 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.