Boat Test: 2024 Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC

Overview

I am a huge fan of taking RIBs offshore because their inflatable collars act as built-in shock absorbers in rough seas. So when the time came to test the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I was hoping for some sporty conditions. As we approached the Port ­Everglades Inlet, the building stiff east wind ­buffeting against an outgoing tide ensured that my wish would be granted. We throttled the Prince 33 CC onto plane and pointed into the stacked rollers, and the big RIB took it all in stride. What’s more, the boat’s nimble handling allowed us to make a sharp hard-over turn and ride the following seas back to the Intracoastal Waterway in comfort. Conveniently, we saw folks in a similar-size fiberglass V-hull suffer comparably more visible discomfort while attempting to run the inlet. When it comes to ­rough-sea comfort, the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC is hard to beat.

Interior and Accessories

The 33 CC has ­plenty of creature comforts on board to make an enjoyable day out of cruising in calm ­waters too. Start with the ­wraparound cockpit seating behind the console helm that can comfortably seat six to seven adults. The gunwales feature cushioned backrests, and a high-backed backrest extends along the transom seating. It’s a great conversation pit; throw in the dinette table when it’s time to serve lunch. Our test boat included the optional T-top that keeps the helm and part of the cockpit in the shade. The console hides a small cabin accessed by a sliding door to port of the helm station. In the forward part of the console, there’s a sink and ­stovetop and a small ­refrigerator. At rest or at anchor, the entire bow area serves as one giant sun pad for your happy crew to enjoy.

Engines

If you didn’t already guess from my inlet run, driving this boat is a real blast. With the twin Mercury 400 Verados, we threatened 60 mph at top speed running in calmer waters, a number that Nuova Jolly says it can definitely surpass under less-windy ­conditions. ­Handling was superb; the deep-V hull helps it carve turns at 30 mph, and the boat felt very responsive executing S-curves at speed. In short, the Nuova Jolly Prince 33 CC is a ton of fun.

Read Next: Mercury Verado 400 Outboard Review

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 400 hp Mercury V-10 Verado outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 15 1/4″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 104 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 360 lb.

High Points

• Nonskid texture on RIB collar provides sure footing when stepping aboard from the dock.
• RIB collar and deep-V fiberglass hull make this boat an offshore beast.
• Swim platform extends around the engines to allow for more water access, with a telescoping ladder mounted to port that deploys away from the props.

Low Points 

• Need to remove a cushion in the bow for windlass access.
• More grab handles in the cockpit would be helpful. ABYC H-41 sets the standard that boats must have handrails on weather decks and in all seating areas intended to be occupied underway.  

Toughest Competitor

Italia Boats Sea Prop 33 is another performance RIB offering twin outboards that starts at $239,000 for the base boat with twin Mercury 350s.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-nuova-jolly-prince-33-cc-boat-test/