PDB Shootout: Misty Harbor Viaggio Diamente 26S

First Impression

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression and Misty Harbor took this philosophy to heart with the release of its all-new line. Gone are its previous models including SKYE, Biscayne Bay, Adventure, etc., with the debut of Viaggio, which has created an exciting buzz in our industry.



Details

Using your best Italian accent, the Viaggio name is fun to say, but it’s even better to explore when you step on board with all its unique features. The Italian word for journey is ‘Viaggio’ and with the hard-angled lines used throughout the design resembing a V-shape, the name really is a great fit. Because it was redesigned in such an extreme way, it’s only fitting it was branded with a new name.

The Diamente 26S is Misty Harbor’s high-end model and the 3-inch thick exterior rails help give the pontoon a very distinctive look. The furniture design is also drastically different than what this manufacturer has done before and includes soft touch vinyl that is easy to clean.

At the fiberglass helm is a well-organized dash that is centered with an optional Simrad touchscreen and multi-function gauges on each side. The manufacturer is including Rockford Fosgate stereos as a standard feature on several of its boats this year and on this specific model, the system has been upgraded to include a subwoofer with the four standard speakers.

For the captain there is a comfortable reclining helm chair that is on an elevated platform with an identical chair directly across for the first mate. Then just behind the dual seats is a multi-function swingback seating area with three different positions, including a rear-facing lounge. Below the seating is easy-to-use compartment storage divided into three sections. We like that this extremely comfortable lounger is safely enclosed with a stainless-steel rail in the stern with a gate that opens up to a large 34-inch long swim deck. If we had to be picky, the walking space between the helm chair and swingback rear lounger is a little tight, but there is still plenty of room to comfortably make you way to the stern.

Other key features include a power Bimini top, custom Spradling vinyl flooring, a stainless boarding ladder, an in-floor ski locker and chrome in-rail navigation lights with LED docking lights.

Closer Look

On the three 25-inch diameter pontoons there are four lifting strakes, located on both sides of the center tube and on the inside of the outer ones. The C-channel cross members help increase the durability as well as the longevity. Up top, the rail height varies from over 27 inches tall for most of the boat to 24 inches in the stern for a safe, family-friendly layout.

Throttle Down

With a 0-to-20 mph time of less than 4 seconds we were impressed by how quick this Misty Harbor jumped up on plane. Powered with a Mercury 250hp Verado, we easily reached a top speed in the mid 40s, but it’s how responsive she handled that we enjoyed the most.

Why Buy

In its 30-year history this manufacturer has done well for itself with its price-point models, yet this Diamente proves it still knows how to provide added value with its higher-end pontoons. Quality fit and finish work combined with overall craftsmanship continues to be the backbone for Misty Harbor, with this Viaggio line breathing some excitement into the pontoon segment.



Bristol, Ind.
855-842-4446
www.mistyharborboats.com

Number of Occupants: 14
Price As Tested With Power: $98.7K
Maximum Speed: 44.4 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 250 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 3.97 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 10” deep

Why we love this boat… From the distinctive exterior look to the high-end interior, the all-new Viaggio line is ready for your next journey.

Just being picky… Great floorplan, but the walking space between the helm chair and the stern swingback seating area is slightly limited.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full Fiberglass Diamante Helm w/Windscreen, Exclusive 3-Inch Extrusion Rail Design, Exclusive Matte Metallic Fencing, Clip-On Crib Cover, Black or Silver Powder-Coated Rails, LCI Premium Furniture, Veethree 5-Inch Multi-Functional Gauge Cluster, Rockford Fosgate, PMX-2 Receiver w/2.7-Inch Display, High-Contour Recliner Captain’s Chair w/Swivel & Slider, Knuckle Hinges on Flip-Up Seat Cushions, Black Cover and Bimini, Stainless Cupholders, Seamless Rail Caps at Door Openings, USCG Chrome In-Rail Navigation Lights w/ LED Docking Lights, Raised Chrome-Cal Decals w/Exclusive Graphic Striping, Floatable Rectangle Table and Rubber Bumper Trim.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Helm & Furniture Platinum Upgrade, Cognac Furniture Upgrade, Tripletoon Package, Center-Toon In-Floor Storage, Lakeport Plank Flooring Upgrade, RGB Interior Package, RGB Exterior Package, Sound System Upgrade, X2 King Chairs, Merc Pre-Rig, Digital Display, Stainless-Steel Fold-Down Cleats, X2 Trash Receptacle, Black-On-Black Fencing and Black Powder-Coated Rails.

VITAL STATS

LOA: 26’ 10”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Tripletoon
Dry Weight: 3,495 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 56 gallons

TEST DRIVE

Engine: Mercury Verado 250
Cylinder Type: V8
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 279ci/250hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Propeller: 48 X 17

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.  DB-A

250                  2.1                   67
500                  2.7                   75
1000                4.9                   78
1500                8.6                   80
2000                12.7                 86
2500                18.5                 91
3000                22.5                 98
3500                29.9                 101.5
4000                35.4                 101.5
4100                24.6                 104.5

PRICE

Price As Tested: $98,727
(Boat and Motor)

Base Price: $39,018
(Boat Only)

This article originally appeared in our 2021 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.