New fleet admiral of Joker Boat since its presentation at the last Genoa boat show, the 33 Mainstream can make the Italian manufacturer proud: with 10 m in length and 3.63 m in width, this luxurious unit commands attention. 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! But while it departs from the traditional lightweight, portable rubber idea, the 33 Mainstream remains an authentic semi-rigid, offering the stability, safety, and passenger capacity benefits characteristic 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. Advantages of this version include: a much larger aft sun deck, a spacious teak swim platform, and fuel-efficient diesels. Benefits of the outboard version include superior performance and a rear storage compartment. To set the mood, let's start with a quick tour of the boat before firing up the Hyundai V6 250 hp engines sleeping under the aft deck. Apart from the impressive cockpit area, we admire the contemporary and understated design of this model, and its class without ostentation. The float is, of course, made of neoprene-hypalon (Pennel-Flipo Orca) 1,670 decitex, color ivory, with a double protective rubrail all around. In the cockpit, white and ochre upholstery and solid teak elements set against a white gelcoat background perfectly match the float tones. No design blunders in this impeccably crafted ensemble. Standard equipment, complete and of high quality, is also noteworthy: two showers (indoor and outdoor), electric WC, full sunbathing loungers, electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, equipped galley (fridge, gas stove, sink), etc. Important details such as lifting points with provided straps are not overlooked. The sunshade is practically the only optional add-on. The deck showcases a Mediterranean orientation, a relaxed vibe, with two large sunbathing areas, fore and aft, where a lateral walkway provides convenient access to the stunning teak bathing platform. At the center of the cockpit, the large helm station houses a spacious head compartment (shower-sink-WC, 1.87 m high), well-ventilated by two portholes. There is no cabin on this 10 m boat which, as it is, is more of a luxury day boat than a long-range cruiser. Still, cruising is in sight, thanks to the integrated galley at the rear of the leaning post, with a fold-out picnic table. Adding a full camping canopy (or two independent ones, fore and aft) transforms the sunbathing areas 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 can comfortably accommodate a larger crew. The optimal number is six to eight passengers, considering a design that favors exclusive comfort for a small group rather than group transportation, even if the maximum capacity is 20 people. Undoubtedly, this is a superb unit, with expected seafaring qualities. On this point, I approach with optimism: the 33 Mainstream inherits the excellent hull from the Clubman 33, with which I recorded a stabilized 55 knots on choppy waters 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 diesels, regardless of their power, cannot deliver the same. Let’s be honest from the start: it will likely be a pleasant surprise, but let’s begin with the pilot station, well sheltered behind the high console topped by 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, and the power 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 inclined interior of the windshield (an anti-reflective coating on the top of the console would be appreciated). At the rear, the new Hyundai Marine 6-cylinder diesels (similar to those used in the brand’s largest 4x4s) are remarkably discreet at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, whereas all outboard engines display 85 to 90 dB). No thrill at planing (which would be surprising with diesels), but the planing time (4.8 seconds) is not sluggish, even if it’s far from the 3.2 seconds achieved with Yamaha 350s. Reaching 20 knots in 5.8 seconds is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle, I relive the superb handling sensations of the former Clubman 33—the Hyundai diesels are actually livelier than expected. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. The precise, lively steering system enhances this, with the boat surprisingly agile for its 3.5-ton weight. In a straight line, the hull tracks perfectly at any speed, offering total comfort. In quick curves, there’s a slight oversteer sensation without risking slipping, and tightening the turn to 20-28 knots is easy. Overall, this boat offers particularly enjoyable, lively handling, with the major advantage of its engine’s exceptional efficiency at cruising speeds. At 25-30 knots, efficiency improves by 10% over similar inboard gasoline-powered models (see further Hyundai engine review), increasing range proportionally—QED! Finally, the performance is impressive, exceeding 43 knots at full throttle.
