The Viaggio team brought us an entry-level model, its Lago 22S, rigged with a Mercury 150 outboard. There’s plenty of punch to satisfy all but the most demanding speed and power mavens; we maxed out at just over 36 mph at 5,900 rpm and accelerated to 30 mph in 7.4 seconds. The 22S is also a fuel-sipper; we recorded a best cruise speed at 3,000 rpm and 15.8 mph, burning 3.6 gph and netting 4.4 mpg, which calculates to a 230-mile range from a full 58-gallon tank, leaving 10 percent in reserve for the ride home. The sound level at that speed is just 72.7 dB(A), so conversing with the party on board is easy.
While the midrange acceleration through carved turns reflected the 150 horses, handling overall was tight and crisp. The triple 25-inch-diameter pontoons with lifting stakes and Performance Shield allow spanning lake chop and wakes without falling into the holes, even when the waves are spaced far apart. The Lago is built on Viaggio’s 30-plus year tested frame with heavy C-channel cross members located 16 inches on center.
At the bow, two facing curved lounges upholstered in contrasting light-gray vinyl with dark-gray accent striping offer a simple, attractive look. A removable snack table mounts between the two lounges. Amidships, the console is fitted with analog gauges and a Rockford Fosgate stereo. SeaStar hydraulic steering makes easy work of dockside moves or cruising turns.
The optional gray teak flooring is an upgrade, and it gives a clean look to the deck. The lounges are all set atop roto-molded bases, with dual-hinged bottom cushions for easy storage access beneath. Speaker wires are routed in a clean manner so stored items won’t snag them. The captain’s chair features plush armrests and is complemented by a co-pilot’s chair set back just a few inches.
A three-quarter-width bench stationed aft provides seating for three more; its backrest reverses to provide ample room for aft-facing sunbathing and watching watersports. A stainless-steel perimeter fence with a swing gate gives access to the large, extended swim-platform stern deck.
High Points
- Viaggio quality in a $69,000 value-priced package—nice.
- Fiberglass console with built-in footrest provides full instrumentation and comfortable seating.
- Extended stern swim platform makes the 22S a solid watersports platform.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury FourStroke 150 hp
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia 15.6″x 13″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.92:1 Fuel Load: 58 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $69,398 |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 23’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | 1’3″ |
| Dry Weight: | 3,053 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 11/2,376 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 58 gal. |
Viaggio Pontoon Boats – Bristol, Indiana; 574-622-0490; viaggiopontoonboats.com
