The Swedish builder Nimbus has launched more than 12,000 boats from their yard near Gothenburg since it was founded in 1968 and most of those have been svelte speedsters, day boats and weekenders. So, the introduction of the new 495 is an entry into the larger express cruiser or fast trawler market. And, it’s a stunner.
The hull is thoroughly modern looking by European standards with a sharp bow, double chines, big square windows and lots of angles. Note the aggressively angled Targa-style arch over the flybridge and the overall low profile of the bridge. It nests on top of the cabin quite neatly but still has a large social space.
The new model is called a “voyager” by her builder and does have a few expedition-like details. The forward windshields are angled forward as on many workboats. The side decks have high bulwarks. And, aft, the cockpit, with an L-shaped dinette, can be enclosed to be weatherproof.
Also, note the huge stern platform with a secure transom door leading to it from the cockpit. This will be the beach-front platform for swimming, Scuba diving and afternoon sunning. And, it will be a secure cradle for stowing a dinghy while underway.
The 495 has four distinct social areas which will please families with teenagers. On the foredeck, there is a sunken lounge/sunning area that will accommodate four or five. There’s the dinette in the cockpit and the main dinette in the salon, which has the galley aft and the helm and co-pilot seats forward.
Up on the bridge there is yet another U-shaped dinette where you can imagine the adults enjoying sundowners with friends while the young crowd heads off to the forward lounge. All in all, the designers have been extremely clever to fit all of these unique spaces into a boat under 50 feet.
The cabin arrangement shows the master suite amidships and spanning the boat’s full beam. This will be a quiet retreat and has two sofas for relaxing and reading. The VIP guest cabin is in the fore peak and has a double berth on the centerline. This is large and comfortable enough to entice guests to enjoy staying aboard for longer cruises. A third cabin can be set up either as an office, a utility room or as a third sleeping cabin with a single or over-under berths.
The 495 has been powered with twin Volvo IPS 650s that are equipped with Volvo’s Glass Screens at both the bridge and inside helms. Nimbus has included Volvo’s Digital Positioning System that enables you to use the IPS drives and bow thruster to hold the boat in one position indefinitely no matter the wind or current.
The DPS also has a dynamic docking function that will let you stop the boat right off a dock so you can deploy fenders and then use the joystick to edge the boat sideways right up to the dock and hold it there while you make it fast. Child’s play.
Nimbus has a stellar reputation and the new 495 is a big step for them in the live-aboard, long-range cruising market.
