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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.
Bill Doster
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.
Bill Doster
Bill Doster
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.
Read Next: Nine Cool Pontoon Boat Features
Bill Doster
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
Boating Magazine
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $98,211 (with Suzuki 200) |
| LOA: | 23’10” |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft (max): | 1’6″ |
| Displacement: | 3,162 lb. |
| Bridge Clearance: | 8’10” |
| Fuel Capacity: | 58 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 250 |
| Available Horsepower: | Outboard up to 250 hp |
Viaggio Pontoon Boats – Bristol, Indiana; 855-842-4446; viaggiopontoonboats.com
