![Viaggio Lago V 16U running smoothly](jpg/btgpg24-viaggio-lago-v-16u-1-1024x768.jpg)
Viaggio’s Lago V 16U has many of the same accoutrements found on the manufacturer’s upscale flagships, including stylish, bi-level fence panels colored in matte-metallic paint finishes, oversize blacked-out rails, and raised graphics. Pillow-top furniture is swathed in buttery-soft vinyl. The roto-molded seat bases likewise feature vinyl wrapping to continue the premium vibe. And then there’s the Lago’s sculpted-fiberglass helm, with its vinyl-wrapped dash, backlit push-button switch array and attractive windscreen with heavy-duty stanchions. The only reason the Lago 16 stands out from its premium brethren is its size. At 18 feet, 4 inches, a portion of which is a sizable 2-foot-deep aft deck, it’s one of the smallest pontoon boats on the market.
![Viaggio Lago V 16U helm](jpg/btgpg24-viaggio-lago-v-16u-2-1024x768.jpg)
Why downsize? Lakes with size and horsepower limits represent one reason. Some buyers also don’t have the space for a larger pontoon. Viaggio satisfies them all with a pint-size pontoon that doesn’t look like a stripped-to-the-bone bargain. The reason that the V 16U feels bigger than you might expect is because the deck extends beyond the full length of the pontoons. Unlike most craft in a similar size range, the beam is also a healthy 8 feet, 6 inches. The seemingly never-ending portside lounge certainly exploits those dimensions. Extending a full 12 feet, it packs in plenty of comfort for a decent-size crew. Details such as the blacked-out side skirting, deck trim and rails are also standard issue, as is a Clarion sound system.
![Viaggio Lago V 16U bow seating](jpg/btgpg24-viaggio-lago-v-16u-3-1024x768.jpg)
If there’s a trade-off, it’s that an 18-foot-6-inch boat with a decent passenger capacity, twin 25-inch-diameter pontoons and only a 60 hp outboard isn’t going to blow buyers away in terms of performance. Time to plane was 6.2 seconds. Top speed was a tame 17.8 mph. We selected a slow “cruising speed” in the accompanying chart, which reflects the low (efficient) power and ability of a smaller boat to deal with a load and with chop. Still, for the buyer who wants a premium feel without the premium size and power, the Lago V 16U is an intriguing alternative to the big boys—a mini-me flagship, with the looks and quality to back up the claim.
![Viaggio Lago V 16U corner seating](jpg/btgpg24-viaggio-lago-v-16u-4-1024x768.jpg)
High Points
- Pillow-top furniture swathed in buttery-soft vinyl.
- Standards include 10-foot Bimini with -anodized frame, mooring cover, woven vinyl flooring.
- Sculpted fiberglass helm.
- Wide beam compared with similar-length pontoon boats.
- Worthwhile options include digital depth finder/transducer, integrated docking lights with flip-up stainless-steel cleats, helm seat slider.
- Standard Clarion sound system
How We Tested
- Engine: Suzuki DF60AV
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Suzuki 11 5/8” x 12″ 3-blade aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 2.42:1 Fuel Load: 14 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
Price: | $40,974 (with Suzuki 60) |
LOA: | 18’4″ |
Beam: | 8’6″ |
Draft (max): | 3’0″ |
Dry Weight: | 1,896 lb. |
Seat/Weight Capacity: | 7/922 lb. |
Fuel Capacity: | 28 gal. |
Viaggio Pontoon Boats – Bristol, Indiana; viaggiopontoonboats.com