Nimbus 495 Flybridge

Gothenburg, Sweden-based Nimbus Boats began building high-end watercraft in 1968.

Since making its North American debut in 2017, the company has developed a strong following on our side of the Atlantic, in large part due to the universal popularity of models like their newest and largest boat yet — the all-new Nimbus 495 Flybridge.

The styling of the 495 F is certainly distinctive. The plumb bow, reverse windshield and wrap-around glass stand out from previous Nimbus offerings, giving the 495 F a clearly contemporary but sturdy appearance that should appeal to many cruisers. The plumb bow also allows her to carry her beam further forward, increasing the accommodation spaces below.

It all starts at the swim platform, where Nimbus provides thoughtful fender storage, a large transom storage compartment, and a fold-out door that reveals an electric barbecue and sink. The hydraulic platform is wide enough to cradle a substantial tender and lowers deep enough for easy launch and retrieval.

Inside the transom, the wider starboard side deck is the preferred side for docking. Aft cleats, including an electric winch, are cleverly concealed beneath a finished cap rail. Amidships a wide sliding door opens to the helm inside, and opposite that a gunnel door provides convenient access between the salon, deck and dock.

The aft cockpit features comfortable seating protected by the overhang of the flybridge and a retractable window along the transom. This area can be further enclosed with side curtains if desired. The central table folds out for dining; lowering it and installing a filler cushion converts the space for comfortable lounging.

Above, the flybridge provides both an outside gathering area and an open-air helm station. There’s also a sunpad with a backrest that creates an ideal space to lounge in privacy away from the dockside action. Two bucket seats at the upper helm enjoy excellent visibility with their positioning roughly amidships.

Adjacent to the fly lounge is seating for alfresco dining around a unique composite table, which opens to reveal a sink and fold-up faucet beneath. There is also a Bimini that folds out from the radar arch for added sun protection. While the standard arch is just slightly too high for Loopers, it can be folded back to clear low overheads. Nimbus actually offers a lower arch for those with further constraints.

Built for cruising comfort

Throughout the yacht, it is clear the Nimbus 495 F is built for cruising comfort. The well-equipped main deck galley, for example, spans the full width of the cabin to provide plenty of meal preparation space. Stylish quartz countertops provide residential-level utility and styling, with an electric stove, convection microwave, sink (to port) and fridge (to starboard) arranged with care for maximum efficiency. The galley’s location — adjacent to the salon and within conversation distance of the main deck helm — allows equally convenient access to the cockpit and flybridge above, allowing it to easily serve multiple dining locations.

The U-shaped salon dinette offers room for five or more around its table, with an ottoman that can provide additional table seating when required. I particularly like the way the dining table expands, with triangular pieces folding out to create a much larger square table when needed. The entire salon is light and airy, with raised seating that allows everyone to enjoy the panoramic views without obstructions. There is an opening skylight above, which sits forward of the flybridge – unique for a bridge boat. With the opening side windows and the wide helm door, it’s possible to open the boat right up on nice days to let the sun and fresh air in. Or, on uncomfortable hot or cold days alternately close things up and enjoy the standard heat and air conditioning.

Throughout, the interior décor is fresh and contemporary. A flat screen TV on a lift rises from behind the starboard seating, which means no one can really sit there when watching, but there is plenty of seating space to port. That includes an inviting aft-facing lounge near the helm, which looks like a great spot to kick back with a book.

Forward-facing seating adjacent to the helm is ideal for watching the world pass by while underway. The helm seat itself is bolstered and fully adjustable, with fold-down armrests. A convenient footrest and abundant headroom for operation while standing are much appreciated. Visibility from the main deck helm is also excellent, with only two mullions and wide wrap-around windows. There are even wipers on the vast side windows in addition to those on the raked windshield, which is a truly thoughtful touch.

Step below and the full-beam master suite features a centerline king bed with side windows and an ensuite head. At just under 6 feet tall I had no trouble navigating around this cabin, but taller individuals may wish to check for fit.

There is also a substantial VIP cabin forward, with a center island Queen bed, along with a twin berth cabin and a second head. That twin cabin houses a washer-dryer combo for extended cruising, or can be configured with a desk as an office.

Power to Play

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge is powered by twin Volvo Penta 480-hp IPS650 pod drives, a first for the brand. Nimbus claims a top speed of over 34 mph. Unfortunately my test platform had yet to be commissioned, which precluded a proper sea trial.

Supplied data shows that at a fast cruise speed of 28 mph the Nimbus 495 F consumes 41.47 gallons of diesel every hour, providing a calculated range of 272.5 miles. At a more leisurely displacement cruise of 9.2 mph, range jumps to 702.3 miles.

With an IPS joystick and standard proportional control bow and stern thrusters, buyers enjoy Volvo Penta’s Dynamic Positioning system and its Assisted Docking system, allowing even less experienced captains to dock like a pro.

For boaters who have been admiring Nimbus’ sporty cruisers but wanting more, the new Nimbus 495 Flybridge has both the accommodations and range that North American buyers need for Great Lakes cruising. Fitting into 50-foot slips and easily handled by a couple, this stylish Swedish fast trawler should prove to be popular in the North American market.