Boat Test: 2023 Viaggio Diamante 23B

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Overview

For evidence of the ­Diamante 23B’s style, check its unique, wide extruded aluminum rails; bi-level, matte-finished panels that reveal a pop of metallic glimmer on closer inspection; and bold chrome logo and accent trim. As to quality, its 1/4-inch C-channel cross members are spaced 16 inches on center—and closer at the bow and stern—to handle increased loads. Welds are robotic MIG and handcrafted TIG. A custom bumper protects against ­inevitable dock encounters.

Interior and Accessories

The 23B’s angular furniture and minimalist color scheme inspire reclining on parallel bow lounges; add a pedestal table for hors d’oeuvres. Two-part hinges allow seat cushions to pivot out of the way, making it easy to access items from guttered storage in the vinyl-wrapped seat bases. Note the ­attention to detail within. Viaggio covers speaker backs in plastic housings, wraps wiring in conduit, and covers screw tips with plastic caps.

The helm features a ­Simrad GO9 on the dash. ­Aircraft-style toggles flank the steering wheel. An available helm upgrade elevates the helm for increased visibility and adds a leather-­wrapped Gussi wheel and twin Simrad GO7s. Either way, you can enjoy a swiveling high-back seat with supportive side bolsters and flip-down armrests. Ditto for the port seat across the way.

Aft, toast your voyage at the portside bar. Its slender design angles to open a traffic pattern to the stern. A trio of bar stools shine with stainless-steel pedestals and backrests. Cup holders and a trio of stainless-steel drink holders top the surface. The latter also secure stemware for more elegant gatherings. Can and bottle storage, a bottle opener and USB chargers are within easy reach. Opposite, cozy up on the love seat or relax solo against its aft-facing backrest.

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Engine

Our test boat’s Suzuki 200 proved quiet, registering only 52 decibels at idle and 82 decibels at the boat’s 40.8 mph top speed. Optional triple 25-inch pontoons with ­performance-enhancing lifting strakes produced sharp handling while retaining flat turning. We noted an efficient cruise at 3,000 rpm and 16.5 mph, a combo that burned a thrifty 3.4 gph.

How We Tested

• Engine: Suzuki DF200
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 16″ x 18.5″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.29:1 Fuel Load: 56 gal. Crew Weight: 160 lb.

High Points

• Order the triple-toon hull and get three full-length ’toons with lifting strakes, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and drag-reducing underdeck shielding.
• Power Bimini top raises and lowers with ease, a handy standard. 
• Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 audio, chrome in-rail docking and navigation lights, and woven vinyl flooring all come standard.

Low Points

• Watch your toes on the occasional angular metal brace that supports the perimeter fencing.
• Exposed bolt threads—and a spaghetti of wiring—could use tidying up in the underseat battery compartment.

Toughest Competitor

Bar variations differ, but Sylvan’s L3 DLZ Bar ($82,520 with a Suzuki DF200) features forward couches, an L-shaped swing-back lounge, and a four-stool bar that also converts to a large sun pad. The Sylvan features a triple-pontoon performance package and 12-passenger capacity. It can also be powered with the identical Suzuki outboard.

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Pricing and Specs

Viaggio Pontoon Boats – Bristol, Indiana; 855-842-4446; viaggiopontoonboats.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Viaggio Diamante 23B appeared first on Boating Mag.

Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-viaggio-diamante-23b-boat-test/