Boat Test Monday: Viaggio Diamante 26U

First Impression
At first glance the high-end vibe of this Diamante will grab your attention, leaving you inspired. However, it's not until you really start to look closely at this pontoon that you begin to appreciate the details and the features that truly make it remarkable. It starts with the matte metallic black and white exterior panels with automotive style badging, and flows into the interior loaded with an impressive number of standard features. 




Highlights
Starting at the helm console, the back-lit acrylic dash includes push button switches, a volume control knob for the JL Audio stereo, and an upgraded 12-inch Simrad touchscreen. We like having the multi-function digital gauges for key information located just above the Gussi Italia Tino steering wheel. This way critical information is easy to monitor, and you can use the massive digital Simrad screen on the right for navigation and all other information. Another cool feature just above the Simrad is a wireless charging port that keeps your phone out of the sun. Speaking of cool, the cooled/heated cupholder built into the helm for the captain is standard. Other helm console features worth noting include the USB and USB-C combo charging port as well as controls to the JL Audio system that includes six total speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer.

Part of the interior Blackout package are the two-tone seats with a cool-touch vinyl. Dark colors like this are possible because they stay 30 percent cooler in the sun. There are a total of four chaise lounges: two in the bow and two in the stern with plenty of storage below. Speaking of seating, the helm chair that slides, swivels and reclines is arguably the most comfortable seat on board, and the good news is there is an identical one directly across for the first mate.

In the stern is a massive ski/tow bar with an optional holder on top for your roll-up watermat or other toys. Also on the extended swim platform is the Revo ladder that makes boarding from the water nearly effortless. Also on this specific test boat, we tested other LilliPad Marine options including a flagpole holder and diving board.

Closer Look
The heavy 3-inch extrusion rail system is just one indication this is an over-built boat from a construction standpoint. Integrated into the corner caps are navigation and docking lights for a high-end vibe. The 27-inch diameter pontoons have lifting strakes on both sides of the center pontoon, and on the inside of the outside pontoons. The heavy-duty C-channel cross members are on 16-inch centers for a solid and well-constructed undercarriage.

Up top, the rail height measures 27 inches or taller throughout the boat for a safe and family-friendly design. The overall construction work received high marks from our test crew.

Throttle Down
It's hard to go wrong with the new Mercury V10 on the back. With the 400hp Verado we just hit the 50 mph mark at full throttle after a zero-to-20 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. She's quick as well as responsive, and turns easily with the electric power steering.

Why Buy
Italian for diamond, Diamante and the latest offering from Viaggio feels like a diamond in the rough for sure. While feature-rich with high-end quality features, it comes in at a budget-friendly price point for those in the market for a high-end model. 

Bristol, Indiana
574-622-0490
www.viaggiopontoonboats.com

Number Of Occupants 16
Price As Tested With Power $155K
Maximum Speed 50.1 mph
Wild Ponies 400hp
No. Of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 4.5 seconds
Ladder Measurement 50” deep

Why we love this boat...Considering the power, thoughtful features, and the high-end overall feel, we weren't expecting the price as tested to be nearly this budget-friendly. There is substantial added value with this one.

Just being picky...The only thing missing on this over-the-top and very luxurious helm console is some type of a glove box to secure your loose items such as your wallet and keys.

NOTABLE STANDARDS
Extended Aft Swim Deck, Black Anodized Deck Trim & Side Skirting w/Rubber Rail Insert, Black Anodized Rails, Viaggio 3” Extrusion Rail Design, Viaggio Fastback Design, Integrated Corner Cast Navigation & Docking Lights, 4 SS Flip-Up Cleats, Extended Splash Deflector Nose Cones, Two-Tone .040 Aluminum Fencing, Raised Helm Platform w/Slip Resistant Diamante Foam Mat, 5” Viaggio Digital Gauges, Windscreen, Gussi Italia Tino Steering Wheel, Simrad NSX9 Flush-Mount Digital Display, USB & USB-C Combo Charging Port, Cooled/Heated Cupholder in Helm, Wireless Charging in Helm, JL Audio System w/4 6.5” Speakers And 2 7x7” 70W Speakers, HTML User Interface, Volume Control Knob, Amplified Antenna, 10” 250W Subwoofer, and a 8 Channel 800W Amplifier.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Raw Water Wash Down Station, LilliPad Revo Stern Boarding Ladder, Xtreme Ski/Tow Bar, Gas Assisted Seat Pedestal, Chaise Changing Room, Wireless Audio Remote, Upgraded Captain/Mate Chair To Bolster, RGB Exterior Light Package, Upgraded Wattage Sound System, Black Cool-Touch Furniture w/ Black Painted Helm, Simrad NSX12 and Portable Bow Bench Insert.

VITAL STATS
LOA  28’ 4”
Beam  8' 6”
Hull Design Triple Toon 27”
Dry Weight 4,220 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 61 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine                         Mercury Verado 400XL
Cylinder Type             V10
Displacement/Horsepower      5.7L/400hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio           2.08:1
Propeller: 20 P Revolution X

RPM vs. SPEED  vs. DB-A
1000    5.1       76
1500    8.0       81.5
2000    11.1     82
2500    15.6     82.5
3000    21.0     87.5
3500    25.5     89
4000    29.39   91
4500    35.2     94
5000    39.5     97
5500    44.2     99
6000    48.4     101
6500    50.1     102     

PRICE
Price As Tested
(Boat & Engine) $155,000

Base Price $82,875
(Boat & 60hp Engine)