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Boats · Top 10

Top 10 Malibu Boat Models 2027

By Kory White · Updated Oct 2026 · 4 min read
Wakesetter 26 LSV
Direct answer

The Wakesetter 26 LSV is the best Malibu boat for 2027, with the M242 and Wakesetter 23 LSV right behind it. The ranking is based on wake and surf performance tech, space, and versatility for watersports families, from flagship models down to the specialty ski-only towboat.

At a glance

#PickStarting priceBest for
1Wakesetter 26 LSV$237,454Big crews who want Malibu's largest, most advanced LSV ever
2M242$280,747Buyers who want Malibu's true flagship with no compromises
3Wakesetter 23 LSV$146,973Most buyers — Malibu's proven, best-selling wake boat ever
4M230$209,173Luxury seekers who want M-Series features in a smaller hull
5Wakesetter 25 LSV$178,973Crews who want LSV space just below the 26 LSV's size
6Wakesetter 24 MXZ$175,400Buyers who want the pickle-fork MXZ style and wide bow
7Wakesetter 23 MXZ$156,970MXZ fans who want the smaller, cheaper pickle-fork option
8Wakesetter 20 VTX$119,607Families who ski, surf, and wakeboard with the same boat
9Wakesetter 21 LX$120,747First-time buyers wanting one boat for wake, surf, ski and cruising
10Response TXi MO$110,983Competitive slalom skiers who want a dedicated, lightweight towboat

Pick by what you want

Best overall
Wakesetter 26 LSV
Best for big crews
Wakesetter 26 LSV
Best for luxury
M242
Best for most buyers
Wakesetter 23 LSV
Best for skiing
Response TXi MO

The ranking

1

Wakesetter 26 LSV

Wakesetter 26 LSV
Answrs VerdictThe all-new flagship LSV for big water and big groups.
Starting price: $237,454Length: 26'5"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 18 people

The Wakesetter 26 LSV is Malibu's largest and most advanced LSV ever, with a 26'5" length, 102" beam, and 18-person capacity. It starts at $237,454. It is built for big water and big groups.

Go ifBig crews who want Malibu's largest, most advanced LSV ever
Skip ifYou don't need 18-person capacity or top-tier pricing
Why #1 over #2: It beats the M242 because it offers more seating and the newest LSV design for less money.
2

M242

M242
Answrs VerdictMalibu's outright flagship, luxury and power maxed out.
Starting price: $280,747Length: 24'2"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 17 people

The M242 is Malibu's true flagship, maxing out luxury and power. It measures 24'2" with a 102" beam and seats 17 people. It starts at $280,747, making it the most expensive model.

Go ifBuyers who want Malibu's true flagship with no compromises
Skip ifBudget is a concern — this is the most expensive model
Why #2 over #3: It beats the Wakesetter 23 LSV with flagship luxury and a larger, more powerful package.
3

Wakesetter 23 LSV

Wakesetter 23 LSV
Answrs VerdictMalibu calls it the best-selling wake boat of all time.
Starting price: $146,973Length: 23'7"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 15 people

The Wakesetter 23 LSV is Malibu's proven, best-selling wake boat ever. It is 23'7" long with a 102" beam and seats 15 people. It starts at $146,973.

Go ifMost buyers — Malibu's proven, best-selling wake boat ever
Skip ifYou need seating for more than 15
Why #3 over #4: It beats the M230 by delivering similar LSV performance for thousands less.
4

M230

M230
Answrs VerdictCompact flagship luxury for a smaller garage or lift.
Starting price: $209,173Length: 23'Beam: 102"Max capacity: 16 people

The M230 brings M-Series luxury to a smaller hull. It is 23' long with a 102" beam and seats 16 people. It starts at $209,173.

Go ifLuxury seekers who want M-Series features in a smaller hull
Skip ifYou'd rather spend less for similar LSV performance
Why #4 over #5: It beats the Wakesetter 25 LSV with compact flagship luxury for a smaller garage or lift.
5

Wakesetter 25 LSV

Wakesetter 25 LSV
Answrs VerdictMore room and ballast than the 23 LSV, less than the 26.
Starting price: $178,973Length: 25'7"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 18 people

The Wakesetter 25 LSV gives you more room and ballast than the 23 LSV, but less than the 26. It is 25'7" long with a 102" beam and seats 18 people. It starts at $178,973.

Go ifCrews who want LSV space just below the 26 LSV's size
Skip ifThe 23 LSV already covers your group size
Why #5 over #6: It beats the Wakesetter 24 MXZ with more seating and a larger LSV hull.
6

Wakesetter 24 MXZ

Wakesetter 24 MXZ
Answrs VerdictSport styling with the same proven Wake Plus hull.
Starting price: $175,400Length: 24'5"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 17 people

The Wakesetter 24 MXZ offers pickle-fork styling and a wide bow. It is 24'5" long with a 102" beam and seats 17 people. It starts at $175,400.

Go ifBuyers who want the pickle-fork MXZ style and wide bow
Skip ifStyling matters less to you than LSV-series value
Why #6 over #7: It beats the Wakesetter 23 MXZ with an extra foot of length and more seating.
7

Wakesetter 23 MXZ

Wakesetter 23 MXZ
Answrs VerdictSame pickle-fork style as the 24 MXZ for less money.
Starting price: $156,970Length: 23'7"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 15 people

The Wakesetter 23 MXZ is the smaller, cheaper pickle-fork option. It is 23'7" long with a 102" beam and seats 15 people. It starts at $156,970.

Go ifMXZ fans who want the smaller, cheaper pickle-fork option
Skip ifYou need the extra foot of length the 24 MXZ offers
Why #7 over #8: It beats the Wakesetter 20 VTX with more seating and a larger, wider hull.
8

Wakesetter 20 VTX

Wakesetter 20 VTX
Answrs VerdictThe only crossover model with AWSA private-lake certification.
Starting price: $119,607Length: 20'Beam: 98"Max capacity: 11 people

The Wakesetter 20 VTX is the only crossover model with AWSA private-lake certification. It is 20' long with a 98" beam and seats 11 people. It starts at $119,607.

Go ifFamilies who ski, surf, and wakeboard with the same boat
Skip ifYou only ever surf or only ever slalom ski
Why #8 over #9: It beats the Wakesetter 21 LX with AWSA certification for private-lake skiing.
9

Wakesetter 21 LX

Wakesetter 21 LX
Answrs VerdictMalibu's own pick for most versatile 21-footer in the lineup.
Starting price: $120,747Length: 21'5"Beam: 102"Max capacity: 13 people

The Wakesetter 21 LX is Malibu's own pick for the most versatile 21-footer in the lineup. It is 21'5" long with a 102" beam and seats 13 people. It starts at $120,747.

Go ifFirst-time buyers wanting one boat for wake, surf, ski and cruising
Skip ifYou want a dedicated surf or ski specialist instead
Why #9 over #10: It beats the Response TXi MO with seating for 13 and crossover capability.
10

Response TXi MO

Response TXi MO
Answrs VerdictMalibu's cheapest model and the official IWWF towboat.
Starting price: $110,983Length: 20'6"Beam: 95"Max capacity: 7 people

The Response TXi MO is Malibu's cheapest model and the official IWWF towboat. It is 20'6" long with a 95" beam and seats 7 people. It starts at $110,983.

Go ifCompetitive slalom skiers who want a dedicated, lightweight towboat
Skip ifYou want to wakesurf, wakeboard, or carry more than 7 people

How we ranked these

The order was decided by wake and surf performance tech, space, and versatility for watersports families. Flagship models with the most advanced tech and largest capacity rank highest, down to the specialty ski-only towboat. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.

Questions people ask

What is the cheapest 2027 Malibu boat?

The Response TXi MO is Malibu's lowest-priced 2027 model, starting at $110,983.

What is Malibu's flagship boat for 2027?

The M242 is Malibu's flagship, starting at $280,747 with up to 652 HP and room for 17.

Which Malibu boat is the best-selling of all time?

Malibu markets the Wakesetter 23 LSV as its best-selling wake boat of all time, starting at $146,973.

Starting price (USD) at a glance

Response TXi MO$110,983
Wakesetter 20 VTX$119,607
Wakesetter 21 LX$120,747
Wakesetter 23 LSV$146,973
Wakesetter 23 MXZ$156,970
Wakesetter 24 MXZ$175,400
Wakesetter 25 LSV$178,973
M230$209,173
Wakesetter 26 LSV$237,454
M242$280,747
Starting price (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.

Official sites

Sources

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.