New flagship of the Joker Boat fleet since its debut at the last Genoa Boat Show, the 33 Mainstream can pride the Italian manufacturer: measuring 10 m long and 3.63 m wide, this luxurious unit makes an impression. Taking the helm of this model, you can be sure of one thing: arriving incognito in a harbor or anchorage is a lost cause! But while it departs from the traditional concept of a light and transportable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is nonetheless an authentic rigid inflatable boat, with the stability, safety, and passenger capacity advantages typical of this type of boat. Joker Boat offers it in two versions: outboard or inboard diesel, the latter being the one we test today. Advantages of this one: much larger rear sunbed, spacious teak aft bathing platform, sobriety of the diesels. Advantages of the outboard version: superior performance, rear storage locker. To set the mood, let's start with a quick tour before firing up the Hyundai V6 250 hp engines sleeping under the aft deck. Besides the impressive size of the cockpit, we like the contemporary and understated design of this model, and its class without ostentation. The tube is, of course, made of 1,670 decitex neoprene-hypalon (Orca by Pennel-Flipo), ivory-colored, outlined by a double protective rub rail around the entire perimeter. In the cockpit, the white and ochre upholstery and solid teak elements on a white gel-coat background perfectly match the tube's tones. No lapse in taste on this impeccably crafted ensemble. The standard equipment, complete and high quality, can also be praised, with two showers (inside and outside), electric toilet, full upholstery and sunbeds, electric anchor windlass with stainless steel anchor, equipped galley (fridge, gas burners, sink), etc. Important details are not forgotten, such as lifting points with supplied straps. The sun awning is practically the only option to add. The deck reveals its Mediterranean orientation, leaning towards leisure, with two large sunbeds at the bow and stern, where a side walkway provides practical access to the superb teak bathing platform. In the center of the cockpit, the large helm console houses a spacious bathroom (shower-washbasin-toilet and 1.87 m height), well ventilated by two portholes. No cabin on this 10 m boat which, as is, is more of a luxury day-boat than a long-range cruiser. However, cruising is in sight, thanks to the galley integrated behind the leaning-post, with a foldable picnic table. Adding a full camping awning (or two independent ones, front and rear), the sunbeds can be converted into two comfortable beds/cabins. Thus equipped, the 33 Mainstream can accommodate four adults or two adults and three children for cruising. For day outings, it gladly welcomes a larger crew. The optimum is six to eight passengers, given a design favoring exclusive comfort in a small group rather than group transport, even though the maximum authorized capacity is 20 people. Undoubtedly, it is a superb unit, logically expected to have marine qualities to match. On this point, I sit at the helm with optimism: the 33 Mainstream indeed inherits the excellent hull of the Clubman 33, with which I recorded 55 knots stabilized in rough chop during a memorable test with two Yamaha V8 350 hp engines (Pneu Mag no. 69). So I approach this test with curiosity, knowing that 250 hp diesels, regardless of their merit, cannot deliver as much. Let's admit upfront, it will be a pleasant surprise, but let's start from the beginning, namely the helm station, well sheltered behind the tall console topped by a wide windshield. The leaning-post offers comfortable support, the wheel and controls are at the right height and fit well in the hands, the power-assisted hydraulic steering is precise (3.5 turns from lock to lock). The only downside, under certain lighting, is the white console reflecting on the tinted and heavily inclined inside of the windshield (an anti-glare treatment on the top of the console would be appreciated). At the rear, the new 6-cylinder Hyundai Marine diesels (identical to those equipping the largest 4x4 from the Korean brand in automobile form) show exceptional discretion at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, where all outboards show 85 to 90 dB). No great thrill at planing (one would be surprised otherwise with diesels), but the planing time (4.8 seconds) is not sluggish, even if it remains far from the 3.2 seconds recorded with 350 hp Yamaha engines. And 5.8 seconds to reach 20 knots is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle, I find the superb piloting impressions of the former Clubman 33, the Hyundai diesels proving decidedly punchier than expected. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. One appreciates all the more the remarkable precision of the assisted steering which delivers lively handling, even surprising given the 3.5 tons of this model. At fast straight line, the hull stays on rails regardless of speed, with absolute comfort. In fast turns, it delivers a slight oversteer sensation without fear of sliding. And if the turn radius is tightened sharply, it easily turns in 20 m at 25-28 knots. In short, this boat’s behavior offers particularly pleasant and lively handling, to which is added the main asset of this engine, its exceptional efficiency at cruising speed. At 25-30 knots, efficiency increases by 10% to 70% compared to gasoline-powered models of the same category (see below Hyundai engine test). So range increases proportionally, QED! And finally, one cannot complain about performance either, with over 43 knots at full throttle.
