With its recent debut in the U.S., the latest Nimbus Boats model rounds out its WTC line from the Swedish builder. The WTC designation uses exceptionally functional hulls outfitted to Weekender, Tender, and Commuter specifications, each designed for how these boats are best enjoyed.
The Nimbus W11 is the largest of the Weekender series, and the 40-foot Nimbus is described by the builder as perfect for weekend, casual and short trips that focus on fun with friends and family in an easily handled vessel. It has just enough storage and accommodations, but not at the expense of day-boat features so well appreciated when spending limited time on the water. Anchored out with friends to watch the Blue Angels, turtle-speed cocktail cruises up creeks and inland waterways, fishing for that big one, and all kinds of fun escapades with the family. Despite its larger size, the W11 is a joy to operate with twin outboard power and bow thruster.
The Weekender series hits the mark for a multipurpose boat likely kept on a lift at home, always ready for a quick trip on the water. And the new W11 takes the fun potential up a notch in size and speed.
The impressive fit and finish associated with Nimbus Boats is evident throughout the W11. Owners appreciate the starboard-only side deck and other clever design elements that emphasize Scandinavian ideals of simple livability and efficiency. One finds a full galley in the cockpit and furniture easily configured to serve several functions, from secure seating at speed to relaxed lounging at anchor or at the dock.
What sets the W11 apart from the smaller Weekenders is that its larger size makes it also a very good choice for those wanting to extend the weekends on longer trips. There is a growing segment of the cruising community that chooses to embrace speed, safety, and handling in a boat that excels under way. With two cabins and everything a couple (or small family) needs to live aboard while cruising, the W11 could make a suitable choice for the Great Loop, the ICW, and other coastal and inland cruises if the owners prefer a boat designed to get quickly and comfortably to the next destination.
In terms of its cruising capability, compare the W11 to a Downeast cruiser of similar size and it is easy to see how it stands out for performance cruising. Its displacement is half that of the Downeast fleet, and while those boats carry double or triple the water and fuel tankage of the Nimbus W11, the Nimbus has more than enough for trips between overnight stops at marinas and resort facilities and the occasional overnight anchorage. And unlike those traditional cruisers, the Nimbus has a huge storage space under the cockpit that is ideal for storing e-bikes, dive gear, and other essentials. This locker keeps the lines clean and simple, yet gear is readily accessible.
Standard outboard power is from twin 300hp Mercury Verado V8s, for a cruise speed of 30 knots. Optional Verado 400hp engines raise the performance to a top speed of 40+ knots. Both packages are available with optional joystick controls to synchronize the engines and standard bow thruster for the ultimate control while docking and close quarter maneuvering. And the Nimbus stepped hull allows cruising speeds over a much wider range than the single “sweet spot” found on most traditional hull shapes.
The extensive list of optional equipment can transform the W11 into a marvelous overnight and fun boat to match anyone’s interpretation of the ideal day cruiser. One can order the boat equipped with a gyrostabilizer, diesel furnace, air conditioning, generator, trim tabs, windlass, solar panels, lithium batteries, sunshade awnings, hydraulic-powered swim platform and steps (making easy access to docks, diving, swimming), even hinged side “balconies” that expand the cockpit footprint outward for entertaining when anchored for the afternoon.
The outdoor galley is a popular feature of the Nimbus WTC line, and the W11 has everything one needs to entertain and relax in style. But this boat is not intended to sit at the dock or provide the luxury dockside living of a motoryacht. It is a boat to travel with speed and grace on the water. It offers the owners and their family and friends the simple exhilaration of speed and control that is often lost on boats that attempt to carry and do too much.
Boaters in the Pacific Northwest may possibly prefer the enclosed cabin of the Nimbus Commuter over the more open Weekender, as the available diesel-fired furnace in the Commuter keeps crew warm and dry while enjoying year-round boating in the region. Those who enjoy boating elsewhere will find the W11 particularly nice. It can still be enclosed for season-extending weather protection in the cockpit and helm, while the Targa design is delightfully open to wind and sun during beautiful weather. (The diesel furnace is also available on the W11, as is air conditioning, with or without a generator.)
To sum up the versatility of the Nimbus W11, in addition to its superlative role as a day cruiser that can serve well on weekends and shorter overnight travel, the boat should be on the short list for anyone who dreams of a cross-country road trip by sports car. Designed for pure driving pleasure, with adequate storage and accommodation, and nothing more. And with the highest Scandinavian quality and design, it is a satisfying alternative for those chasing adventure in a full-size motorhome. It’s that simple.
Check out the new Nimbus W11 at your nearest Seattle Yachts dealer. Our experienced professionals will be happy to help you create your own perfect weekend cruiser, in any one of several Nimbus models in the WTC lineup. Let’s build a boat for your next adventure.
And you get to decide if your weekend stops within sight of home.
Specifications of the Nimbus W11
- Length Overall: 40' 7"
- Beam: 11' 4"
- Displacement: 12,345 lbs. (w/ 350hp engine)
- Fuel Capacity: 224.5 U.S. gallons
- Black Water Capacity: 21 U.S. gallons
- Optional Grey Water Tank
- Engine Options: Mercury Verado V8 2x300HP or V10 2x400HP
