New flagship of the Joker Boat fleet since its debut at the latest Genoa boat show, the 33 Mainstream can be a source of pride for the Italian manufacturer: at 10 m long and 3.63 m wide, this luxurious unit makes a strong impression. Taking the helm of this model, you can be sure of one thing: arriving incognito in a port or anchorage is a lost cause! But although it is far from the traditional concept of a lightweight and portable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is nonetheless a true RIB, with all the stability, safety, and passenger capacity advantages inherent to this type of boat. Joker Boat offers it in two versions: outboard or inboard diesel, the latter being the one we are testing today. Advantages of this version: much larger rear sunbed, spacious teak rear bathing platform, and the sobriety of diesels. Advantages of the outboard version: superior performance, aft locker. To get into the mood, let's start with a quick tour of the owner’s area before firing up the twin Hyundai V6 250 hp engines resting under the aft deck. Besides the impressive cockpit space, we appreciate the contemporary and sober design of this model, and its understated class. The tube is, of course, made of 1,670 denier neoprene-hypalon (Orca by Pennel-Flipo), ivory-colored, accented by a double rubbing strake running around the entire perimeter. In the cockpit, the white and ochre upholstery and solid teak elements against the white gelcoat background perfectly match the tube's tones. No styling errors on this impeccably crafted ensemble. The standard equipment is also commendable, complete and of high quality, with two showers (inside-outside), electric toilet, full upholstery and sun loungers, electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, equipped galley (fridge, gas burners, sink), etc. Important details have not been forgotten, such as lifting points with supplied slings. The sunshade canopy is practically the only optional addition. The deck reveals its Mediterranean orientation, favoring relaxation, with two large sun lounges at the front and rear, where a side walkway provides easy access to the superb teak bathing platform. At the center of the cockpit, the voluminous helm console houses a large head compartment (shower, washbasin, toilet, and 1.87 m in height), well ventilated by two portholes. There is no cabin on this 10 m boat which, as it stands, is more of a luxury day boat than a long-range cruiser. Nevertheless, cruising is in sight, thanks to the galley integrated at the back of the leaning-post, with a folding picnic table. By adding a full camping canopy (or two independent ones, fore and aft), the sun lounges convert into two comfortable beds/cabins. Thus equipped, the 33 Mainstream can accommodate four adults for cruising or two adults and three children. For day trips, it gladly welcomes a larger crew. The optimum is six to eight passengers, given a design that favors exclusive comfort in a small group rather than group transport, even though the maximum authorized capacity is 20 people. Undoubtedly, this is a superb unit, from which one naturally expects corresponding marine qualities. On that 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 twin Yamaha V8 350 hp engines (Pneu Mag No. 69). Therefore, I approach this test with curiosity, knowing that the 250 hp diesels, regardless of their quality, cannot match that. Let’s admit it right away: this will be more of a pleasant surprise, but let’s start with the basics, namely the helm station, well sheltered behind the tall console topped by a wide windshield. The leaning-post provides comfortable support, the steering wheel and controls are at the right height and fall nicely to hand, and the power-assisted hydraulic steering is precise (3.5 turns lock-to-lock). The only downside is that under certain lighting conditions, the white console reflects on the tinted and very sloped windshield interior (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 used in the brand’s largest 4x4 vehicles) show exceptional discretion at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, whereas all outboards generally show 85 to 90 dB). There is 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 Yamaha 350 hp engines. And the 5.8 seconds to reach 20 knots is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle forward, I find the superb piloting sensations of the former Clubman 33, with the Hyundai diesels proving outright punchier than expected. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. The remarkable precision of the power-assisted steering is all the more appreciated, delivering very lively handling, even surprising given this model’s 3.5 tons. On a fast straight line, the hull stays on rails whatever the speed, with absolute comfort. In fast turns, it delivers a slight oversteer sensation without risking a skid. And if you tighten the turn radius sharply, it turns easily in 20 m at 25-28 knots. In short, the behavior of this boat offers particularly enjoyable and lively handling, combined with the strength of this engine’s main asset, its exceptional cruising speed efficiency. At 25-30 knots, efficiency improves by 10% to 70% compared to similar petrol-powered models (see further on the Hyundai engine test). So the range in distance increases in the same proportion, QED! And to finish, we also have no complaints about performance, with over 43 knots at full throttle.
