Joker Boat Mainstream 33

New flagship of the Joker Boat fleet since its debut at the last Genoa boat show, the 33 Mainstream can make the Italian manufacturer proud: with 10 meters in length and 3.63 meters in width, this luxurious unit is impressive. Taking the helm of this model, you can be sure of one thing: arriving incognito in a port or anchorage is a lost cause! Although it steps away from the traditional concept of a light and portable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is still a true rigid inflatable boat, offering the stability, safety, and passenger capacity typical of this type of vessel.

Joker Boat offers it in two versions: outboard or diesel inboard, the latter being the one we are testing today. Advantages of the diesel version include a much larger aft sunbathing area, a spacious teak swim platform, and the efficiency of diesel engines. The outboard version offers higher performance and a rear storage locker.

To set the mood, let's start with a quick tour before firing up the 250 hp Hyundai V6s resting under the aft deck. Besides the impressive cockpit area, we appreciate the contemporary and understated design of this model and its classy yet discreet style. The tube is, of course, made of 1,670 decitex neoprene-Hypalon (Orca by Pennel-Flipo), ivory-colored, highlighted by a double rub rail running along the entire perimeter.

Inside the cockpit, the white and ocher upholstery and the solid teak elements against the white gel coat perfectly match the tones of the tube. There is no lapse in taste in this flawlessly executed ensemble. The standard equipment is also praiseworthy: two showers (inside and outside), electric toilet, full upholstery and sunbeds, electric windlass with stainless anchor, equipped galley (fridge, gas burners, sink), etc. Important details are not overlooked, such as lifting points with straps provided. The sun canopy is practically the only optional extra.

The deck shows a Mediterranean orientation, favoring relaxation, with two large sunbeds at the front and rear, where a side walkway allows easy access to the superb teak swim platform. At the center of the cockpit, the voluminous helm console houses a large bathroom (shower-sink-toilet with 1.87 m headroom), well ventilated by two portholes. There is no cabin on this 10-meter boat, which, as it stands, is more of a luxury day boat than a long-range cruiser.

Yet cruising is in sight, thanks to the galley integrated behind the leaning-post, with a foldable picnic table. Adding a full camping canopy (or two separate ones, fore and aft) converts the sunbeds into two comfortable beds/cabins. Equipped this way, the 33 Mainstream can accommodate four adults or two adults and three children for cruising. For day outings, it comfortably welcomes a larger crew. The optimum is six to eight passengers, given a design that favors exclusive comfort in small groups rather than group transport, even though the maximum authorized capacity is 20 people.

Undoubtedly, this is a superb unit, with marine qualities to be expected accordingly. Optimistically, I settle at the controls: the 33 Mainstream 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). I approach this test with curiosity, knowing that the 250 hp diesels, whatever their merits, can't match that performance.

Let's admit it right away, it is rather a pleasant surprise, but let's start at the beginning: the helm station, well sheltered behind the tall console topped by a wide windshield. The leaning-post offers comfortable support, the steering wheel and controls are at the right height and fit well in hand, and the hydraulic power steering is precise (3.5 turns lock to lock). The only downside is that under some lighting, the white console reflects on the tinted, very inclined windshield interior (an anti-reflective treatment on the console top would be appreciated).

At the rear, the new 6-cylinder Hyundai Marine diesels (the same as those equipping the largest 4x4 from the Korean automaker) are exceptionally discreet at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, where all outboards show 85 to 90 dB). No great thrill on planing (which would be surprising with diesels), but the planing time (4.8 seconds) is not sluggish, even if it remains distant from the 3.2 seconds achieved with 350 hp Yamaha engines. And the 5.8 seconds to reach 20 knots are more than respectable.

Pushing the throttle forward, I rediscover the superb handling impressions of the former Clubman 33, with the Hyundai diesels proving punchier than expected. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. The remarkable precision of the power steering is all the more appreciated, delivering lively handling, surprising even considering this model weighs 3.5 tons.

In a fast straight line, the hull stays on rails regardless of speed, with absolute comfort. In fast turns, it delivers a slight oversteer sensation without risk of sliding. And if you tighten the turn radius significantly, it easily turns within 20 meters at 25-28 knots.

In short, the boat’s behavior offers particularly enjoyable and lively handling, complemented by the main asset of this powertrain: its exceptional cruising speed efficiency. At 25-30 knots, efficiency improves by 10% to 70% compared to similar petrol-powered models (see further the Hyundai engine test). Therefore, cruising range increases proportionally, QED!

Lastly, performance is not lacking either, with over 43 knots at full throttle.