Nimbus 365 Coupe - Power Boat Review

By Andy Adams

Photos by Nimbus Boats

There is no shortage of fun and exciting new boat designs hitting the market, but for the last few years these have been mainly outboard-powered day boats. Some are day cruisers; some are centre console fishing boats or designed for tow sports. A new live-aboard cabin boat has become a rare item these days.

So when I heard that Pride Marine in Orillia, Ontario, had a Nimbus 365 Coupe in the water, I jumped at the chance to get out on it.

The Nimbus 365 Coupe won the European Power Boat of the Year in the 35-45-foot category on its introduction in 2012. There have been few boats since then to challenge it. The Nimbus 365 Coupe is a very handsome and classically styled cruiser that is just as fresh today as the day it won European Power Boat of the Year. Even better, it has now been in continuous production for over a decade, giving this boat a well-established track record. Expect this cruiser to hold its value for a very long time.

The cabin is delightful and airy thanks to the roof made entirely of glass panels, two of which open and all of which have deployable shades.

Background and Features

Established in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1968, Nimbus builds boats for the conscious yachtsman who appreciates smart functionality, comfort, safety and Scandinavian design. The 365 Coupe is built in the Nimbus yard in Marstadt, Sweden. The design and features are centred around long-distance cruising for a family or couple who want to discover the world from the water. (Nimbus describes the boat as being for “long-stay” cruising.)

Approaching the Nimbus 365 Coupe for the first time, the handsome and purposeful lines make an immediate positive impression, and there are a number of other features that immediately attracted me. I stepped on at the stern, where the spacious swim platform makes the most of the boat’s big 11’6” beam. Features include a five-step swim ladder, transom shower, port and starboard lockers recessed into the teak-decked surface that offer good storage for lines, or even wet towels and bathing suits. All the decks are sustainably sourced 12mm teak. Across the swim platform and all around the boat, are sturdy stainless-steel rails atop the bulwarks and the cabin roof for safety. These rails also form a transom fender basket for all four of the boat’s big fenders.

And as soon as we entered the cabin, we were amazed that the entire cabin roof is made of glass panels. This boat feels very open and bright. Each section has a sunshade, and two of the sections are power-operated sunroofs. This is a deluxe design feature that will make this boat much more enjoyable to live with.

THe dinette can be your living room, dining room, or an extra sleeping berth. The upholstery is very comfortable.

Cockpit details

The cockpit is one of the primary living areas and includes an L-shaped settee around a multifunction teak topped table. The cabin overhang provides welcome shade and the boat comes with curtains to further shelter the area.

Our test boat was equipped with a single Volvo D6 440hp diesel. To access the engine room, you need to move the seat cushions, tilt the cockpit table and swing open the cockpit floor sections. To our surprise, we discovered that the engine was entirely enclosed in a sound box and the engine hatches were also insulated for sound. To check the engine, slide one panel from the sound box and all your service points are right there. The Fischer Panda generator is located behind the engine.

Out on the water, the Nimbus was very quiet. The decision to include the sound box is plainly a good one. On a long trip, you will not be annoyed by the drone of the engine. It’s just one example of the many thoughtful features we discovered throughout the Nimbus 365 Coupe.

The galley is handy to the cockpit and other interior spaces. It’s an easy reach for a cold beverage.

Above decks

To maximize interior space and above deck functionality, Nimbus has used an asymmetrical layout with a wide side deck to starboard, sturdy bulwarks topped by high rails and a great sliding side door beside the helm. A stainless-steel panel in the side deck reveals connections for fuel, pump-out and water.

It’s two steps up to the bow level, where our test boat had deck cushions and mounts to fly a shade over the bow. Polished 10-inch cleats are functionally-located, and the bow rail is split at the peak for boarding from the bow. The anchor locker has two hatch covers leading to the big locker with all-chain rode, Quick electric windlass and an anchor that passes through the pulpit.

The cockpit and swim platform will be used extensively when cruising, genuine teak decking is functional and beautiful.

Cabin accommodations

The cabin is accessed through the sliding aft door or the starboard side door. Main cabin headroom is generous, and we liked the big rail that runs along the ceiling for safe movement underway.

The dinette is on the port side. This has a table that will comfortably seat six for dinner and can also convert into a double berth. Accommodating this is a companion seat that can flip back for dining. Ahead of that is a dash-top storage bin, and the lid had the optional 12-volt TV mounted underneath for evening entertainment.

The galley is on the starboard side as you enter. Many options are available but the test boat had a two-burner ceramic stove top, a locker above that with the Fischer-Panda generator control and Mastervolt screen. The counter top was very nice and had twin sinks! There is a deep but narrow side for washing dishes and a larger side for pots and pans. This saves water and should work very well. The galley has fitted slide-out cabinetry for dishes, glasses, cutlery and stem wear.

A large refrigerator is located under the helm seat, which can hinge forward to expand the food prep space. Our test boat was optioned with an Isotherm fridge/freezer under the dinette seat and another Isotherm drawer under the seat on the port side. The ship’s electrical panel is also in the seat base.

This ultra-wide shot shows all the features in the forward cabin. It’s really mort compact but still cozy and accommodating.

Cabin areas

Three steps down the companionway you find the head on starboard with Jabsco MSD, stainless steel sink, two drink holders and an opening porthole. Plus there is a separate enclosed shower stall. This is a very comfortable and functional head!

To port is the mid-cabin with 6-feet plus headroom for changing, a side seat/dressing area with a locker for shoes, duffel bags and other things, and there are three opening port holes for ventilation plus air conditioning. The double size berth is ideal for children or guests.

The owner’s cabin in the bow has an island queen berth with an inner sprung mattress with a lovely soft top. This should be very comfortable. It’s also air-conditioned, and there are opening ports on both sides for cross-ventilation. Storage includes a big hanging locker to port and a locker with two shelves to starboard. Two big roll-out bins under the berth accommodate pillows, blankets and other bulky items. There is an opening vent in the overhead escape hatch. It’s a cabin that really supports the “long-stay” mission of the Nimbus 365 Coupe.

Helm

The helm is also well-equipped for the long-stay cruising mission. First, the helm seat is like an armchair, and all the interior soft goods were upholstered in a handsome open weave material that would be quite comfortable on an extended cruise. With the sliding side door, the captain can easily see and speak to others when docking, and there’s a big side cleat right there for easily casting off.

Keeping the captain comfortable on a long passage, the helm seat can be adjusted and it has a flip-up bolster for an elevated view along with footrests for added comfort. The VHF radio is mounted on the windshield pillar, easily at hand.

When docking, the thruster system can bring you in or out with ease. The Nimbus proved to be quite maneuverable around the docks or down the fairway. The very deep-vee hull was designed to be sea-kindly and soft-riding, and a small keel adds to directional accuracy. Twin rudders make steering easier and more accurate. Our test boat had the Volvo Penta cruise control for engine speed and autohelm controlled by a 16-inch Simrad MFD, displaying your charts and also engine functions.

The Volvo Penta control box has a great shape to rest your hand and delicately adjust the throttle. We found the steering to be light and precise with the twin rudders, and the single Volvo Penta D6 440 is smooth and well-muffled at all times. An automatic trim tab system optimizes performance and keeps the boat level.

Nimbus equips the 365 Coupe with a huge single curved glass windshield for outstanding outward vision. It has wipers that sweep down and de-misting vents all along the base of the glass. Every mile can be a sight-seeing tour and at any reasonable speed you choose. And when cruising at slow speeds, passengers can easily move around the Nimbus protected by the high bulwarks and big rails.

Performance

We topped out at 28mph, with the Nimbus 365 Coupe drawing 1.3 miles per gallon. But the performance report from the factory shows that at displacement hull speeds of 4.1mph the D6 440 achieved 11.6 miles per gallon. That’s amazing fuel economy in my opinion, and would be a delightful speed to travel at along the Rideau Canal, Trent Severn Waterway, down the New York Canal system on your way to Florida or the Caribbean, or when doing the Great Loop.

The Nimbus felt strong and heavy, but in fact, thanks to its high-tech vacuum infusion construction and foam coring, the boat is light for its size at under 15,000 lbs.

Of course you can take the Nimbus 365 Coupe for a day cruise with friends, but it could be your summer home just as easily. This boat opens up opportunities that could make the memories of a lifetime at prices that are comparable to buying a waterfront vacation home.