Test / Nimbus W 11, an elegant boat with a Scandinavian style for day trips or coastal cruising

The Nimbus W11 blends elegance and sportiness © Nimbus Boats

The Swedish shipyard extends its range with a boat designed for both day trips and a few days of coastal cruising, all with a very Scandinavian style.

While Nimbus is quite popular in Europe, it is less so in the rest of the world, and particularly in the United States. And yet, the shipyard has just celebrated its 55th anniversary, a longevity that speaks for itself. Founded in 1968, Nimbus has built up a solid reputation over the years, and it's not hard to understand why. The brand's boats combine Scandinavian style with state-of-the-art techniques. For example, the yard adopted vacuum infusion as early as 1997. From there, the quality of the shipyard's construction has been a benchmark, as has the seaworthiness of its boats.

Nimbus successfully blends traditional styling with modern lines
Nimbus successfully blends traditional styling with modern lines

An evolution of the W9, the W11 is, as its name suggests, a weekender, meaning that it has been designed for day cruising and for spending one or two nights on board.

Elegant and sporty lines in a Scandinavian way

The first thing you notice is the boat's natural elegance. The Nimbus's lines combine a kind of classicism with a touch of modernity, notably in the long hull porthole, and even a little sportiness, notably in the bow.

Our test model was equipped with a T-Top with an opening canvas center section, but this is an extra. The basic version simply includes a windshield and a roll bar over the cockpit.

The same applies to the rear platform, which completely surrounds the engines. A very useful and reassuring accessory, but one that can be slippery.

The W11 allows you to plan a short cruise
The W11 allows you to plan a short cruise

Another important point is that the W11 truly offers three distinct spaces. The foredeck is walk-around design, with a large solarium. To get to the bow, all you have to do is use the starboard gangway, which is wide enough and features handrails everywhere. Like all the brand's models, the balcony is open at the front, making it easy to disembark, especially as the boat comes with a ladder for this purpose.

Other good points on this foredeck, two hatches directly illuminate the cabin, and there is also a locker.

Like all Nimbus models, the W11 is elegant.
Like all Nimbus models, the W11 is elegant.

The second living space is, of course, the cockpit, which is vast and well thought-out, and extends into the helm area. As an option, this cockpit can also be fitted with an opening bulwark, enlarging the space and offering a second access to the swimming area.

Last but not least, as a weekender, the Nimbus boasts a spacious living area that comfortably sleeps four.

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