New flagship of the Joker Boat fleet since its unveiling at the last Genoa boat show, the 33 Mainstream is a source of pride for the Italian manufacturer: at 10 m long and 3.63 m wide, this luxurious unit makes a statement. By taking the helm of this model, you can be sure of one thing: arriving incognito in a port or anchorage is a lost bet from the start! Although it is far from the traditional concept of a lightweight and transportable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is still an authentic RIB, with the stability, security, and passenger capacity typical of this type of boat. Joker Boat offers it in two versions: outboard or diesel inboard, specifically the one we are testing today. The advantages of this version include a much larger rear sunbathing area, a spacious teak bathing platform, and the simplicity of the diesels. Advantages of the outboard version include superior performance and a rear locker. To get into the mood, let’s start with a little tour of the owner's features before we start the Hyundai V6 250 hp engines lying dormant under the rear deck. Apart from the impressive cockpit area, we appreciate the contemporary and understated design of this model, and its class without ostentation. The buoyancy tubes are, of course, made of 1,670 decitex neoprene-hypalon (Orca by Pennel-Flipo), in ivory color, highlighted by a double protective rub rail around the entire perimeter. In the cockpit, the white and ochre upholstery and the solid teak elements against the backdrop of the white gel coat perfectly match the colors of the buoyancy tubes. There’s no tastelessness in this impeccable assembly. The standard equipment is also commendable, being comprehensive and of high quality, featuring two showers (interior-exterior), electric WC, complete upholstery and sunbathing pads, electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, equipped kitchen (fridge, gas burners, sink), etc. Important details are not forgotten, such as the lifting points with provided straps. The sun awning is practically the only option to add. The deck reveals its Mediterranean orientation, leisure trend, with two large sunbathing areas, at the front and rear, where a side walkway provides convenient access to the superb teak bathing platform. At the center of the cockpit, the voluminous helm console houses a spacious bathroom (shower-sink-WC and 1.87 m height), well-ventilated by two portholes. There is no cabin on this 10 m model, which, as is, is more of a luxurious day boat than a long-range cruiser. However, cruising is certainly on the horizon, thanks to the kitchen integrated into the back of the leaning post, with a foldable picnic table. By adding a full camping awning (or two independent ones, at the front and rear), the sunbathing pads can convert into two comfortable beds/cabins. Thus equipped, the 33 Mainstream can take four adults or two adults and three children on a cruise. On a day trip, it readily accommodates a larger crew. The optimal capacity is six to eight passengers, considering a design that favors exclusive comfort in a small group over group transportation, even though the maximum allowed capacity is 20 people. Undoubtedly, it’s a superb unit, from which we logically expect commendable marine qualities. 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 on rough seas, during a memorable test with two Yamaha 350 hp V8 engines (Pneu Mag n°69). I therefore approach this test with curiosity, knowing that 250 hp diesels, regardless of their value, cannot offer as much. Let’s admit it upfront, it will be more of a pleasant surprise, but let’s start with the beginning, namely the helm station, well-protected behind the high console topped by a wide windshield. The leaning post provides a comfortable support, the steering wheel and controls are at the right height and “fall” well under your hands, and the power-assisted hydraulic steering is precise (3.5 turns from lock to lock). The only downside is that under certain lights, the white console reflects on the inside of the tinted and steeply inclined windshield (an anti-reflective treatment on the top of the console would be appreciated). At the rear, the new Hyundai Marine 6-cylinder diesels (identical to those found in the largest 4x4 from the Korean brand) demonstrate exceptional discretion at all revs (barely 62 dB at full throttle, where all outboards typically display 85 to 90 dB). There’s no great thrill at lift-off (it would be surprising otherwise with diesels), but the lift-off time (4.8 seconds) is anything but sluggish, even if it falls short of the 3.2 seconds recorded with the 350 hp Yamahas. And the 5.8 seconds to reach 20 knots is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle, I rediscover the superb driving impressions of the ex-Clubman 33, with the Hyundai diesels proving to be noticeably punchier than expected. Two sensations dominate at all regimes: hull balance and absolute safety. This makes the remarkable precision of the power-assisted steering even more appreciated, offering a very lively driving experience, surprisingly so considering the 3.5 tons of this model. In fast straight lines, the hull stays on rails at any speed, with absolute comfort. In fast curves, it delivers a slight sensation of oversteer without fearing slipping. And if we tighten the radius significantly, it turns easily on 20 m at 25-28 knots. In short, the behavior of this boat provides a particularly enjoyable and lively driving experience, to which the main asset of this engine, its exceptional fuel efficiency at cruising speed, is added. At 25-30 knots, the efficiency increases by 10% to 70% compared to similarly-sized gasoline models (see further for the Hyundai engine test). Thus, the range in distance increases in the same proportions, QED! And to conclude, we also have no complaints about performance, achieving over 43 knots at full throttle.
