2024 Viaggio Lago V 16U

Viaggio’s Lago V 16U has many of the same accoutrements found on the manufacturer’s upscale flagships, including stylish, bi-level fence panels colored in matte-metallic paint finishes, ­oversize blacked-out rails, and raised graphics. Pillow-top furniture is swathed in buttery-soft vinyl. The roto-molded seat bases likewise feature vinyl ­wrapping to continue the premium vibe. And then there’s the Lago’s sculpted-fiberglass helm, with its vinyl-wrapped dash, backlit push-button switch array and attractive ­windscreen with heavy-duty stanchions. The only reason the Lago 16 stands out from its premium brethren is its size. At 18 feet, 4 inches, a portion of which is a sizable 2-foot-deep aft deck, it’s one of the smallest pontoon boats on the market.

Why downsize? Lakes with size and horsepower limits represent one reason. Some buyers also don’t have the space for a larger pontoon. Viaggio satisfies them all with a pint-size pontoon that doesn’t look like a stripped-to-the-bone bargain. The reason that the V 16U feels bigger than you might expect is because the deck extends beyond the full length of the pontoons. Unlike most craft in a similar size range, the beam is also a healthy 8 feet, 6 inches. The seemingly never-ending portside lounge certainly exploits those dimensions. Extending a full 12 feet, it packs in plenty of comfort for a decent-size crew. Details such as the blacked-out side skirting, deck trim and rails are also standard issue, as is a Clarion sound system.

If there’s a trade-off, it’s that an 18-foot-6-inch boat with a decent passenger capacity, twin 25-inch-diameter pontoons and only a 60 hp outboard  isn’t going to blow buyers away in terms of performance. Time to plane was 6.2 seconds. Top speed was a tame 17.8 mph. We selected a slow “cruising speed” in the accompanying chart, which reflects the low (efficient) power and ability of a smaller boat to deal with a load and with chop. Still, for the buyer who wants a premium feel without the premium size and power, the Lago V 16U is an intriguing alternative to the big boys—a ­mini-me flagship, with the looks and quality to back up the claim.

High Points

• Pillow-top furniture swathed in buttery-soft vinyl. 
• Standards include 10-foot Bimini with -anodized frame, mooring cover, woven vinyl flooring.
• Sculpted fiberglass helm.
• Wide beam compared with similar-length pontoon boats.
• Worthwhile options include digital depth finder/transducer, integrated docking lights with flip-up stainless-steel cleats, helm seat slider.
• Standard Clarion sound system

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki DF60AV
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 11 ⁵/₈” x 12″ 3-blade aluminum
• Gear Ratio: 2.42:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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