Malibu Wakesetter VLX  2008 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008
2008
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VS
Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 boat specs
Malibu
Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011
2011
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Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a v25 wake Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 against a modified vee Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 measures 21,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 19,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 at 2,0 feet (2011). At 36 lbs and 33 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 400 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 and 410 hp for the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 46 gal and 48 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 11 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 at 21,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 at 2,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeMalibu
MakeMalibu
ModelWakesetter VLX
ModelWakesetter VTX
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam98 in
Beam98 in
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Meters2.49
Beam - Inches98
Beam - Inches98
Draft [max] - Detail24 in
Draft [max] - Detail22 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.61
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches24
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail3,600 lbs
Weight - Detail3,300 lbs
Weight - kg1632.93
Weight - kg1496.85
Weight - lbs.36
Weight - lbs.33
Length - Feet21
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail21 ft. 6 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters6.55
Length overall - Meters6.1
Length overall - Inches258
Length overall - Inches24
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeV25 Wake
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMalibu 320 LCR - 320 hp, EFI-MPI
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail46 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail48 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters174.13
Fuel tank capacity - Liters181.7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal48
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeV-drive
Drive typeV-drive
Engine max400 hp
Engine max410 hp
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelMalibu 330 LCR
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower330 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people11
Maximum people11
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,450 lbs

Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 vs Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011?
The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 is the longer of the two at 21,0 feet overall. The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 19,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 or the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011?
For trailering, the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 has the edge at 33 lbs dry weight versus 36 lbs for the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 is rated to a maximum of 410 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Malibu Wakesetter VLX 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 Wakesetter VLX 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 11 passengers, while the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 is certified for 11. 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.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 share an 98 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 46 gallons and 48 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 Wakesetter VLX 2008 and Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Malibu Wakesetter VLX 2008 and the Malibu Wakesetter VTX 2011 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.