Why we love this boat… Its high-end look is backed by quality craftsmanship for an amazing boat that has a lot going for it including plush comfort and user-friendly features.
Just being picky… With this hull and horsepower, this performance pontoon should come standard with a ski/tow bar which is really the only feature this boat is missing but is available as an option.
(Boat and Motor)
(Boat w/ Standard Engine)
When the all-new Viaggio line from Misty Harbor first debuted for the 2021 model year, we were initially very impressed. Heading into our test this year we couldn’t possibly imagine what they had planned for an encore, but when the Diamante 23Q arrived, we received our answer. The manufacturer has been extremely busy.
Highlights
The Italian word for journey is ‘Viaggio,’ and with the hard-angled lines used throughout the design resembling a V-shape, the name really is a great fit. It’s easy to see why the 23Q is the second best-selling model for Viaggio in its high-end Diamante line. From the matte metallic black finish on the exterior panels to the plush and inviting interior, there is a lot to get excited about.
The focus of the interior is centered on a beautiful blacked-out helm console that includes a Simrad touchscreen built into the dash with digital gauges on each side. Then there is a row of toggle switches, with stereo controls just below with boat’s only USB and 12-volt ports nearby. (Additional USB chargers can be added, by the way.) The Rockford Fosgate stereo is included with the standard features, but the system has been upgraded to include a subwoofer with the four standard speakers, delivering as expected in terms of sound quality.
Another feature we like is the LCI Premium Furniture Package that has been upgraded to the Platinum Package for a long list of added benefits including the speakers being recessed into the seat bases. With two chaise lounges in the bow, there is truly stylish and comfortable seating for everyone.
Along those same lines, the helm chair for the captain is often considered the most comfortable seat on board and that’s the case with this model. However, other than the optional flip up bolster for the captain, there are three additional identical helm chairs to ensure there are plenty of comfortable reclining chairs to go around. The portable filler bench seat in front of the stern gate creates a full-width rear bench seat that gives the interior a ski boat feel. Out on the rear swim platform is a spacious deck that includes a four-step boarding ladder along with a washdown sprayer hose that is hidden in its own compartment.
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 enhanced C-channel cross members help increase the durability as well as the longevity. Up top, the rail height is a consistent 27.5 inches tall throughout for a safe, family-friendly layout.
Performance
The pairing with the Mercury 250hp Verado proved to be a great fit based on our 0-to-20 mph time of less than 5 seconds and a top speed in the mid 40 mph range. She handles well in the sharp turns and overall provided a fun and thrilling ride. In fact, with this hull and horsepower, it should come standard with a ski/tow bar which is really the only feature this boat is missing.
Final Thoughts
Year two for the Viaggio line did not disappoint. Of course it’s from Misty Harbor, a manufacturer who has been offering quality and well-built pontoon boats for decades. The Diamante 23Q adds a lot of value to the pontoon segment, while still being backed by quality construction and fit and finish work this manufacturer is best known for.
Exclusive Diamante 3-inch Rails, Exclusive Matte Metallic Fencing with Dual Color Option, Black Anodized Rails, Full Fiberglass Helm with Windscreen, Easy Clip-on Full Crib Cover, LCI Premium Furniture Package, Four-step Stainless Rear Ladder, Veethree 5-inch Multi-functional Gauge Cluster including GPS Speedo & Trim, Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 Receiver with 2.7-inch Display, High-contour, Recliner Captain Chair w/Swivel & Slider, Hands-Free Hinges on Flip-up Seat Cushions, Dry Storage Under Bench Seating, Black Anodized Bimini with cover, Upgraded Stainless cup holders, Seamless Design Rail Caps on All Door Openings, USCG Chrome, In-Rail Navigation lights with LED Docking Lights, Raised Chrome-cal decals with Exclusive Graphic Striping, Enhanced Full C-channel Cross Members, Floatable Rectangle Table, Rubber Bumper Trim, Luxury Woven Vinyl Flooring.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Full Platinum Pkg.: Platinum Helm (3-inch riser, Full Helm Pad, Anodized Steering Wheel, Simrad), Platinum Furniture Pkg. (Wider Seats, Multi-color Design, Bolster Seat For Captain’s Chair, Double-stitched Seats & Speaker Integrated Into Seat Bases), RGB Interior Lighting Pkg., RGB Exterior Lighting Pkg. & Upgraded Rockford Fosgate Stereo System w/ Sub. Power Bimini, Lakeport Plank Flint Upgrade Flooring, Black Helm Upgrade.