A perfect RIB for longer trips and spending a lot of time on board, thanks to the space inside, the deck layout and an excellent hull
by Niccolò Volpati
On the transom of the SE33 there are two Mercury V8s each developing 300 horsepower, the output recommended by the producer, while top power rating is a hundred hp more. The sea off the harbour wall at Genoa looked like a piece of cake, with relaxing, calm water that meant you could do what you liked without worrying too much about the consequences
The first thing I liked was how easily it found the right trim. That wasn’t something I was doing, but rather the Mercury active trim, although I also worked out that the system didn’t have to do very much either. I sped off, and the boat got on plane in just three seconds, and less than a second later was perfectly parallel to the water, with perfect trim and sightlines. The SE33 also turns tightly without any issue. The sea conditions meant I could do that even at forty knots, while the two Mercurys got me up to 42.2 knots. That’s a very respectable speed, and is perfect for a boat of this type that, having a cabin, is also aimed at short and medium-range cruises as a family or with friends, and not just for day trips.
Comfortable space for four people with excellent liveability in the forward berth.
The good thing about having outboards is that they can really get you going without too much noise. The sound meter didn’t register much, even at fast cruising speed. And there is also the advantage, in part due to the waterlines, of not using much fuel. You can do thirty knots and use less than 90 litres per hour, while at 25 that figure goes down to around 70 litres. Around 3 litres per mile is used up to 35 knots, which is more than acceptable for a boat of this size and gives the feeling it does at the wheel.
After having done a few miles I got the impression that it goes even better than the open version. To be clear, the sensation I got with the SX34 was definitely positive, but the cabin has moved the weight forward, and I thought that further improved the trim, making it even safer and more comfortable when underway. It doesn’t just make you want to get out on the water, but also to do some turns. So, basically, it is difficult, to say the least, to find not just a defect but even a single imperfection in the handling qualities of the SE33. So it is a shame that the maximum beam with the tubes deflated is 2.59 metres, which is nine centimetres too many for it to be legally towable. But the width does mean there is a lot of room above and below decks, and the yard has focused on delivering that, and upon deck, a lot of attention has been paid to getting around easily.
The fibreglass anchor roller has an exposed winch
and two sturdy bollards for mooring.
You can get from stern to bow without anything in the way, and the layout has a U-shaped sofa in the cockpit, and a hi-low table that can be used to complete the sun pad. Amidships, the helm station has a sofa for skipper and mate, which is all set to starboard, freeing up a good amount of room to port to get through to the foredeck, where there is a second sun pad that also makes use of the cushions forward of the bridgehouse. The galley is open and fully equipped, but doesn’t take up much room. The solution that Solemar has gone for has a sink and a fridge in the kitchen unit aft of the helm seat, while the hob burners are actually under the seats, so you just have to move them forward to use them. The rollbar also saves space because the lower section points forward while the upper section leans aft. The supports thus look “fragmented” and take less space on the sides. So basically, there is a rollbar, and a strong one at that which doesn’t vibrate even at forty knots, but you hardly notice it’s there.
When you are getting around on deck, which has an excellent surface, there are numerous grab handles for safety and the whole bow area has a guard rail, while the others are located on the rollbar supports, meaning there is always something to hang on to. The companionway is next to the helm station, and there is a good amount of headroom below decks, while there is a genuine double bed which is very welcoming. I also liked the height, as well as the portholes and windows that let natural light in and let you look out. The bathroom is separate, although the stern sleeping area is under the cockpit and so smaller.
Engine data
The pair of Mercury V8 engines, each with 300 horsepower, delivers the perfect balance: performance without excess, yet more than enough to cover many miles in a short time.
SOLEMAR ITALIA SRL
Via Roggia Morlana, 1/3
I-24027 Nembro (BG)
www.solemaritalia.it
PROJECT
Shipyard technical department
HULL
LOA 10.57m • Length 9.85m • Maximum beam 3.34m • Beam with deflated tube 2.59m • Tube’s diameter 0.64m • compartments • Dry weight 3,200 kg • Fuel tank volume 600 l • Water tank volume 120 l • Maximum power 700 hp
MAIN PROPULSION
2x Mercury Verado 300 V8 • Outlet mechanical power 223 kW (300 hp) • 8 cylinders • Swept volume 4.6 l • Compression ratio 1.75:1 • Maximal rotational speed 5200-6000 rpm • Dry weight 239 kg
EC CERTIFICATION
CAT B
PRICE*
Starting from 239,900 € + VAT, bare boat
*The price refers to February 2026
(Solemar SE33 – Sail without compromise – Barchemagazine.com – Excerpted from Barche, February 2026)
