Joker Boat Mainstream 33

New fleet admiral of Joker Boat since its presentation at the last Genoa boat show, the 33 Mainstream can be a source of pride for the Italian manufacturer: with 10 meters in length and 3.63 meters in width, this luxurious unit commands attention. By taking control of this model, you can be sure of one thing: arriving incognito at a port or anchorage is a losing bet in advance! But while it diverges from the traditional concept of a lightweight, transportable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is still an authentic semi-rigid, 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 are testing today. The advantages of this version include a much larger aft sun deck, a spacious teak aft swim platform, and the economy of the diesels. The outboard version offers superior performance and a stern locker. To get into the mood, let's start with a quick overview of the boat before launching the Hyundai V6 250 hp engines sleeping under the aft deck. Beyond the impressive cockpit surface, we appreciate the contemporary and understated design of this model, and its discreet classiness. The float is, of course, in 1,670 decitex neoprene-hypalon (Orca by Pennel-Flipo), in ivory, highlighted by a double protective strip all around. In the cockpit, white and ochre upholstery and solid teak elements set against a white gel coat perfectly match the float's tones. No tasteless details on this impeccably crafted ensemble. The standard equipment, complete and high-quality, can also be praised, including two showers (interior-exterior), electric toilet, complete upholstery and sunbathing areas, electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, fitted kitchen (fridge, gas stove, sink), etc. Important details are not overlooked, such as lifting points with supplied straps. The sunshade is practically the only option to add. The deck reflects a Mediterranean orientation, with a leisure trend, featuring two large sunbathing areas, at the bow and stern, with a side walkway providing easy access to the superb teak bathing platform. At the center of the cockpit, the large helm station houses a spacious head (shower-washbasin-toilet, 1.87 m high), well-ventilated by two portholes. There is no cabin on this 10-meter boat, which is more of a luxury day-boat than a long-range cruiser. However, cruising remains a goal, thanks to the integrated kitchen at the back of the leaning post, with a fold-out picnic table. Adding a full camping canvas (or two independent ones, at the bow and stern), the sunbathing areas can be transformed into two comfortable beds/cabins. Equipped this way, the 33 Mainstream can cruise with four adults or two adults and three children. On day trips, it comfortably accommodates a larger crew. The optimum is six to eight passengers, considering its design favors exclusive comfort for small groups rather than group transport, although the maximum capacity is 20 people. Undoubtedly, it is a superb unit, with marine qualities expected accordingly. On this point, I approach the controls with optimism: the 33 Mainstream inherits the excellent hull of the Clubman 33, with which I recorded a stabilized 55 knots on rough seas during a memorable test with two Yamaha V8 350 hp engines (Pneu Mag No. 69). I therefore approach this test with curiosity, knowing that the 250 hp diesel engines, regardless of their power, cannot match that performance. Let's admit straight away, this will be more of a pleasant surprise, but let’s start at the beginning: the helm station, well protected behind the high console topped with a wide windshield. The leaning post provides comfortable support, the steering wheel and controls are at the right height and fall well under the hands, the power-assisted hydraulic steering is precise (3.5 turns lock-to-lock). The only downside, under certain lighting conditions, is the white console reflecting inside the tinted and very inclined windshield (an anti-glare treatment on the top of the console would be appreciated). At the rear, the new Hyundai Marine six-cylinder diesels (the same as those used in the brand's largest 4x4s) are remarkably discreet at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, where all outboards produce 85 to 90 dB). No major thrill at planing (we would be surprised otherwise with diesels), but the planing time (4.8 seconds) is not sluggish, even if it falls short of the 3.2 seconds recorded with Yamaha 350 ch outboards. The 20-knot acceleration time of 5.8 seconds is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle, I relive the superb handling sensations of the former Clubman 33, with Hyundai diesels proving surprisingly punchy. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. We particularly appreciate the remarkable precision of the power steering, which delivers a lively handling experience, even with this model's 3.5 tons. In a straight line at high speed, the hull stays on course at any velocity, with absolute comfort. During quick corners, it gives a slight oversteering sensation without risking slipping. If you significantly tighten the radius, it can turn easily in 20 to 25-28 knots. In short, this boat offers a particularly pleasant and lively piloting experience, complemented by the key advantage of this motorization: its exceptional efficiency at cruising speeds. At 25-30 knots, efficiency improves by 10% compared to similarly categorized gasoline-powered models (see later Hyundai engine review). Consequently, range and distance endurance increase proportionally. To conclude, performance is also impressive, exceeding 43 knots at full throttle.