Nimbus 495 Flybridge
The Nimbus 495 F (Flybridge) is the new flagship of this venerable line of cruisers built in Sweden. This vessel offloaded at the Port of Tacoma the week before the show and was not even fully commissioned when she made her debut, but managed to turn many heads nonetheless. Other Nimbus models have a more downeast style but with her plumb bow, reverse windshield, and wrap around glass the Nimbus 495 F stands out. The combination of both modern styling and traditional elements give her a contemporary but sturdy look that should appeal to a wide variety of cruisers.
Just under 50’ overall length the Nimbus 495 F packs in a lot of stylish accommodations and some nice features into this convenient size. Even with a substantial tender on a cradle atop the hydraulically actuated swim platform the boat should fit in most 50’ slips. The starboard sidedeck is wider which makes for easier access and there is a large sliding door adjacent to the helm for easy entry. An L-shaped exterior lounge is under the coach roof and protected by canvas and clears. This area has easy access up the stairs to the flybridge, aft to the platform which has an interesting fold out electric grill and wetbar, and into the galley at the aft of the salon. Inside the décor is not especially nautical, more like European contemporary, think a high-end Swedish hotel, but it looks nice. I particularly like the fold out dining table where triangular pie pieces fold out creating a much larger square table when needed. This whole salon area has tremendous visibility which is also excellent from the helm due to only two mullions and wrap-around windows. There are even wipers on the vast side windows in addition to the forward aft raked windshield which is a nice touch.
The Nimbus 495 F is the first of their boats with IPS power and with twin Volvo Penta IPS650s (480HP each) the vessel is designed to reach 30 knots and cruise in the twenties. I am slated to run the boat once she is fully commissioned and will report back then. She also sports standard proportional control bow and stern thrusters which seem a bit redundant but allow for Dynamic Positioning (DPS). Combining thrusters and pods controlled by a joystick should make docking fool proof for even the least skilled boater. I am keen to try it out!
Below decks there are three staterooms and two heads with a queen forward and twin over under bunks to starboard. The master features a large centerline bed in a full beam cabin with an ensuite head. The ceiling is highest on the entry/port side of the bed, but puzzle-like pieces vary the height across the cabin as the ceiling follows the salon configuration above. I will measure it and better explain it when I do my full report to see how it might work for taller people, but I was able to get around even with the changing overhead.
Bottom line, the Nimbus 495 F is a stylish Swedish fast trawler that seems like a welcome addition to their stable of sporty cruisers.
Nimbus 495 Flybridge Specifications:
LOA: 49 7” (15.0 m)
Length hull: 44’8” (13.7 m)
Beam: 14’9” (4.6 m)
Draft: 3’9” (1.2 m)
Displacement: 42,020 lb. (19,100 kg)
Fuel Capacity (Diesel): 449 gal. (1,700 l)
Fresh Water Capacity: 137 gal. (500 l)
Grey Water Capacity: 90 gal. (340 l)
Black Water Capacity: 45 gal. (170 l)
Power: 2×480-hp Volvo Penta IPS650
Diesel generator: 110/230V Fisher Panda 15000i, 10,8kW
Stabilizer: Quick Gyro Stabilizer MC2 X16
Construction: Fiberglass Composite
Nimbus 495 Flybridge $2.1 million US, well equipped.
