Swedish boatbuilder Nimbus is making another statement in a steady string of bold moves.
Nimbus, part of the larger Nimbus Group which includes brands like Aquador, Bella, Flipper, and Paragon Yachts, has been systematically expanding into the North American market.
In early 2023, the group acquired Florida's Edgewater Powerboats and then brought their Aquador brand to the North American market later the same year. The company also announced plans to begin producing boats in Florida, namely the Nimbus T8 center console, at the Edgewater facility in Florida.
Now the burgeoning conglomerate will launch its largest boat ever, and its first explorer-style design, the all-new 495 Flybridge, to a global audience.
"With the 495 Concept, we want to grow the coupé concept, while at the same time build on the legacy of Nimbus’ previous and existing coupé models. The salon is the very epicenter of the boat, the heart of the model. That’s where we live on board. That’s where we have the helm, the dining area, the social lounge and the galley," said Joacim Gustavsson, Chief designer at Nimbus Group, in a company statement.
The new design will have an LOA of 15 m (49'7") with a 4.6 m beam (14'9"). It will carry a draught of 1.2 m (3'9") and a top speed of 27 knots (31 mph) and a cruising speed of 20 knots (23 mph). She will be powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS650 diesels for a total of 1300 horsepower. A full catalog is available for interested buyers.
According to the company, "one of the key properties of the boat’s design is that it is just as easy and forgiving to handle for two people in a demanding Nordic archipelago as it is comfortable and safe for a couple or a family who want to head off on a long voyage of discovery in the Mediterranean or the east coast of the USA. That is why we have also referred to the boat as “an island of its own” in the development work."
The 495's impressive list of standard features includes a Volvo Penta Glass cockpit system with 2×12” MFD plotter displays on the bridge and a 1x12" MFD display on the flybridge, DPS and Assisted Docking, bow and stern thrusters, 230v diesel generator, a lithium-ion battery package with 400 ah auxiliary power, solar panels for producing up to 400 watts, shore power and battery charger, and setup for in-house Wi-Fi and Starlink internet.
In terms of amenities, the 495 is offered with full customization capability for the glass cockpit from Garmin. It also comes loaded with air conditioning in the salon, staterooms, and VIP cabin, as well as a washing machine in the starboard cabin, two electric toilets, a transom shower with hot/cold water, and a wet bar on the aft deck with sink, grill, and on-tap water. Other perks include wood laminate flooring throughout the boat, a dinghy cradle system and/or hydraulic bathing platform, a Nimbus exclusive dinner set for 6 people, and an optional 3rd cabin/bunkbed or office/utility room.
The boat features three distinct social areas -- the aft deck, foredeck, and flybridge. The aft deck features a large corner sofa, complemented by two extra deck chairs and a dining table. It also has the benefit of a large glass door connecting the aft deck to the saloon and galley, allowing guests to easily move between interior and exterior spaces. The foredeck features a large sun lounger that converts into a U-shaped seating unit around a table. An extendable sunroof on four carbon fiber rods makes for easy shade up front. Up top, guests will appreciate passenger and skipper seats on either side of the helm station, plus an optional small fridge under the co-pilots seat. An oversized sofa on the starboard side with either a chaise longue option facing the cruising direction or integration of this section makes for easy adjustments for more quests. Additionally, a large table with an integrated sink and mixer tap is a surefire perk.
Below deck, two layout versions are available with multiple customization options. Both versions include the master and VIP cabins, plus an option to choose between an additional guest cabin with bunk beds or a versatile utility room. The master cabin, located centrally, features large glass panels on either side for additional sunlight. The VIP cabin is located in the bow and offers a comfortable double bed situated in the center with easy access from both sides. Each cabin features a separate bathroom with walk-in shower sections. In the 3-cabin layout, the front bathroom serves the VIP and the small guest cabin, as well as the day head, adding convenience and efficiency.
"With the 495, the Nordic coupé boat will become relevant in the international market, particularly in the Mediterranean, the USA and the Nordic region. And with this, Nimbus is also undertaking a journey into another segment of boating. We can do this because we feel certain that boats that work in the archipelago will work anywhere. The Nimbus 495 Concept has the space, comfort and capacity to be a home on the sea for a long period of time. To be an island of its own."
You can get a full walkthrough of the 495 flybridge from Nimbus chief designer Joacim Gustavsson in the video below:
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