Nimbus Series 11 Test: Three Models, One Hull, and Three Sailing Philosophies
The Scandinavian shipyard, which arrived in Italy thanks to Scandinavian Boats, is conquering the Mediterranean public thanks to the quality and sailing qualities of its models
Catholic (Rimini) – Quality construction, excellent seaworthiness, and the typical Scandinavian touches of a people who have always gone to sea every day, not just for pleasure, but out of necessity and to get from one place to another. These are the hallmarks of Nimbus boats, a shipyard founded in 1968 in Gothenburg, Sweden, near the Volvo Penta plant, when it produced more engines than boats could fit. Thus, the shipyard built its first boat, Nimbus (which means "glory" in Swedish). Since then, every time Nimbus creates a new model, unit number one is purchased by Volvo Penta.
Meanwhile, the fleet has evolved, and the shipyard has moved away from smaller vessels, favoring those 8 meters and up. We visited Cattolica, where Giampiero Manzi's Italian dealer Scandinavian Boats organized press tests and a weekend public presentation of the 11-meter (length) series of three models.
The Nimbus Series 11 family brings together three models with different intended uses and layouts, yet sharing the same technical foundation: a 12,4-meter twin-stepped hull, designed to ensure early planing, high-speed stability, and dry cruising thanks to the sharp bow and pronounced flare. The series includes the Tender T11, the Weekender W11, and the Commuter C11, the first of its kind in Italy.
T11 – Versatile tender for day trips
The Nimbus T11 is a true walkaround, designed to maximize outdoor space and onboard comfort for day trips or short cruises. It can carry up to 12 people, offering everyone the option of sitting facing forward during trips.
The heart of the boat is the large aft lounge, which can be configured with sofas and movable tables and can be converted into a sundeck, dining area, or relaxation area. The outdoor galley includes a sink, refrigerator space, and cutlery drawers, with the option of installing a grill or stove.
Aft, the swim platform is generous, while the central locker under the deck holds over 2.500 liters, with a hydraulic opening and enough space for a SUP, Seabob, or tender. Below deck, there are two double cabins and a full bathroom with shower. The foredeck features a sun lounger and a locker with access to the cabin.
It's the most Mediterranean of the three models and the best-selling in Italy, both as a daycruiser and as a luxury tender. Even on the most basic layout, 12 guests can find their own space and, above all, everyone's needs are met. It's a Nimbus design philosophy: those who want to sunbathe should be able to do so, just as those who want to sit at a table or in the shade. This means that to have the second aft sundeck, you don't need to remove the cockpit seating.
Driving is truly enjoyable and fun. Like many Scandinavian boats, it holds its seas perfectly, but does so with a striking safety and elegance. There's no vibration on board, and every detail, every material, is of excellent build quality. Powered by a pair of 300 hp Mercury Verado V8s, it reached 39,5 knots. It's worth noting that the unit, a Quickgroup demo boat, was particularly weighed down by the many accessories installed on board, including the gyro stabilizer, generator, additional lithium batteries, and Intercepta interceptors.
DATASHEET – NIMBUS T11
Length overall: 12,40 m
Width: 3,46 m
Displacement: 6.300 kg
Engines: 2 x Mercury Verado V10 400 hp (2×300/2×350 option)
Maximum speed: over 40 knots
Serbatoio fuel: 850 liters
Fresh water tank: 135 litres
Sleeps: 2+2
CE Category: B (offshore)
Deck: Symmetrical walkaround
Covering: Aluminum T-top with fabric or fiberglass
W11 – Short Cruise Weekender
The Nimbus W11 retains the technical foundation of the T11, but reinterprets it for cruising. It retains the walk-around layout and modular living areas, but introduces new elements: on the starboard side, there's an electrically retractable balcony that increases the living space at anchor, and the swim platform can be hydraulically operated (submersible by 30 cm and raised by 40 cm from the deck).
The central area is protected by a large windshield and can be configured with a rigid T-top or electric awning. The layout below deck features two double cabins, a bathroom with separate shower, and increased storage space. The W11 is aimed at an audience seeking a sporty, fast boat, but also suitable for short cruises with family or friends, with all the amenities for weekend living aboard. It is a "sidewalk" boat, meaning it has asymmetrical sidedecks: the starboard one is wider, while the port one is narrower.
It is available with two engines: two 300 hp Mercury Verado V8s (like the one we tested, with which we exceeded 40 knots) or a 400 hp Mercury V10.
DATASHEET – NIMBUS W11
Length overall: 12,40 m
Maximum width: 3,46 m (4,15 m with open terrace)
Displacement: 6.500 kg
Engines: 2 x Mercury Verado V10 400 hp
Maximum speed: over 40 knots
Serbatoio fuel: 850 liters
Fresh water tank: 135 litres
Sleeps: 2+2
CE Category: B (offshore)
Cover: Hard top
Unique feature: Side-walk layout (asymmetrical with wide passage to starboard)
C11 – Fast commuter for every season
The Nimbus C11 is the closed model in the range, the most Nordic, designed for comfortable and protected cruising in all seasons. The climate-controlled cockpit features large windows and two sliding side doors for access to the sheltered walkways. The helm station accommodates two helmsmen with a dashboard for dual 12" displays.
The saloon can be configured in three ways: to seat nine people all facing forward, with a dinette for dining, or with a large U-shaped sofa. The roof features two large electric portholes. Aft, a large cockpit and a 2.500-liter locker complete the layout.
Below deck: two double cabins, a bathroom with separate shower, and a full galley. Available options include air conditioning, generator, joystick steering, gyroscopic stabilizers, and Humphree. The C11 has a range of 205 nautical miles with an outboard engine and 285 miles with a sterndrive.
It arrived in Italy for the first time with a challenge: to win over Mediterranean owners despite its many enclosed spaces. Enclosed, but not without ventilation: simply open the sliding doors at the rear and the sunroof to enjoy a well-ventilated environment filled with fresh air. In preparation for its arrival in the Mediterranean, the shipyard also made a fundamental modification: they moved the galley from below deck to the aft corner of the dinette, between two doors, in a more ventilated area.
Apparently, there's no shortage of demand: this model is sought after by fishermen (who can also install a livewell and an external steering system in the corner of the deckhouse) and people who want to go out to sea year-round or, if they only do it in the summer, stay out for several days and thus face even the hottest days or uncertain weather. Contact with the sea and the sun is never lost, but with the added benefit of protection when needed.
With a pair of 400 hp Mercury Verado V11 engines it reaches 45 knots.
The Nimbus 11 series represents a proven technical platform available in three targeted options: the T11 for days at sea and water activities, the W11 for those who want to cruise and spend the weekend aboard, and the C11 for quick transfers in all conditions without sacrificing comfort. Three different boats, one successful hull.
DATASHEET – NIMBUS C11
Length overall: 12,4 m
Hull length: 11,4 m
Maximum width: 3,46 m
Draft: 0,9 m
Displacement: approx. 6.000 kg
Engines: 2 x Mercury Verado V8 300/350 hp or 2 x Volvo Penta D4 sterndrive (320 hp)
Fuel: 850 l
Water: 135 l
Category: CE B (Offshore)
Sleeps 2 + 2 (cabin + dinette)
Maximum speed: up to 45 knots (with twin 350 hp engines)
Estimated range: over 300 miles at cruising speed
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