New fleet admiral of Joker Boat since its presentation at the last Genoa show, the 33 Mainstream can be proud of the Italian manufacturer: measuring 10 meters in length and 3.63 meters in width, this luxurious unit commands respect. 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! But while far from the traditional concept of a lightweight and portable inflatable, the 33 Mainstream is still an authentic semi-rigid, with the stability, safety, and passenger capacity advantages specific to this type of boat. Joker Boat offers it in two versions: outboard or inboard diesel, the one we are testing today. Benefits of this version: much larger aft solarium, spacious teak swim platform, fuel-efficient diesels. Benefits of the outboard version: superior performance, aft storage. 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. Besides the impressive cockpit area, we appreciate the contemporary and understated design of this model, and its class without ostentation. The float is, of course, made of neoprene-hypalon 1670 decitex (Orca from Pennel-Flipo), ivory-colored, highlighted by a double protective strip all around. In the cockpit, white and ochre upholstery and solid teak elements against a white gelcoat background perfectly match the float's tones. No taste faux pas on this impeccably built ensemble. Standard equipment, complete and of high quality, can also be praised, including two showers (interior-exterior), electric toilet, complete sunbathing cushions and upholstery, electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, equipped galley (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 reveals its Mediterranean orientation, a relaxing trend, with two large sunbathing areas, fore and aft, where a lateral walkway provides easy access to the superb teak bathing platform. At the center of the cockpit, the large steering console houses a spacious head (shower-sink-toilet, 1.87 m high), well-ventilated by two portholes. No cabin on this 10-meter boat, which, as is, is more of a luxury day-boat than a long-distance cruiser. The cruise, however, is still in sight, thanks to the galley integrated behind the leaning post, with a foldable picnic table. Adding a full camping awning (or two separate ones, fore and aft) will convert the sunbathing areas into two comfy beds/cabins. Equipped this way, the 33 Mainstream can cruise with four adults or two adults and three children. For day trips, it comfortably accommodates a larger crew. The optimum is six to eight passengers, considering its design favors exclusive comfort in a small group rather than group transport, even if the maximum capacity is 20 people. Definitely, it’s a superb unit, expected to have marine qualities commensurate. On this point, I am optimistic as I take the helm: the 33 Mainstream inherits the excellent hull of the Clubman 33, with which I recorded 55 knots steady on chop during a memorable test with two Yamaha V8 350 hp engines (Pneu Mag No.69). I approach this test with curiosity, knowing that 250 hp diesels, regardless of their value, cannot deliver as much. Let's admit it right away: it will likely be a pleasant surprise, but let's start from the beginning, namely the helm station, well sheltered behind the high console topped with a large 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-assisted hydraulic steering is precise (three and a half turns lock-to-lock). The only downside: under certain lighting, the white console reflects on the interior of the tinted and highly inclined windshield (an anti-reflective treatment on top of the console would be appreciated). Aft, the new Hyundai Marine 6-cylinder diesels (identical to those powering Hyundai's largest 4x4 in the automotive world) are remarkably discreet at all speeds (barely 62 dB at full throttle, whereas outboards emit 85 to 90 dB). No thrill during planing (though one might be surprised with diesels), but the planing time (4.8 seconds) is not sluggish, even if it’s far from the 3.2 seconds recorded with Yamaha 350 hp outboards. Reaching 20 knots in 5.8 seconds is more than respectable. Pushing the throttle, I rediscover the excellent handling impressions of the former Clubman 33, Hyundai diesels showing they are surprisingly punchy. Two sensations dominate at all speeds: hull balance and absolute safety. The remarkable precision of the power steering makes handling lively and even surprising considering its 3.5 tons. In fast straight-line runs, the hull stays on rails regardless of speed, with absolute comfort. In quick turns, it delivers a slight oversteering feeling without risking skidding. Tightening the radius, it can turn easily at 20-28 knots within 20 meters. Overall, this boat offers a particularly enjoyable and lively piloting experience, enhanced by the major advantage of this powertrain—its exceptional efficiency at cruising speeds. At 25-30 knots, efficiency improves by 10% compared to similar category models with gasoline engines (see the Hyundai engine review further). Thus, the range extends proportionally, QED! Finally, performance should not be overlooked, with over 43 knots at full throttle.
