Nimbus, the Swedish boatbuilder whose boats have been admired in the European market for decades (tennis star Björn Borg promoted the brand in the 1980s), is making splashes since entering the U.S. market six years ago.
The builder just announced plans for a new flagship, the Nimbus 465 Coupé, dubbed The Voyager, which the company says is designed as “a vessel for long-distance exploration.” The 465 Coupé indicates that Nimbus, after entering the market with its dayboats in 2017, is now also going after the fast trawler market.
Meanwhile the Nimbus Group, which owns Nimbus and six other boat brands, also announced its purchase of Florida-based EdgeWater Power Boats for $9.5 million. Nimbus Group’s seven brands produce about 70 different models at nine locations in Sweden, Finland and Poland. The EdgeWater purchase gives the Nimbus Group production capability in the United States.
EdgeWater was founded by Bob Dougherty in 1992 and last year sold more than 300 outboard-powered center console and crossover models. The purchase gives Nimbus Group an important foothold in the States. “The market for powerboats in the U.S. is the single largest in the world,” said Jan-Erik Lindström, president and CEO of Nimbus Group. “EdgeWater Power Boats adds an important experienced local organization and production capacity in the U.S.”
The first Nimbus 465 Coupé hull will be powered by twin 480-hp Volvo IPS650 pods, but Nimbus is also planning a hybrid-powered version and an all-electric displacement version with a generator to feed the battery pack and electric motor. The first twin-Volvo-powered hull is slated to have a top speed of 27 knots and a range of more than 450 nautical miles.
The 465 will have the option for two or three cabins. The standard layout includes the owner’s full-beam cabin amidships, with an en suite head and shower, and the VIP cabin with a double bed and access to the second head and shower in the bow. The third cabin on the starboard side can be outfitted with twin bunks or can be used as a study or utility room.
The galley will be near the aft deck, serving a dining area forward to port. A sofa and single helm are to starboard with a door opening to the side deck. The bow will feature a large sun pad and a cantilevered hydraulic swim platform will be aft.
The first hull will launch in the summer of 2024 and first deliveries to U.S. customers will begin in 2025. Estimated price is 1.5 million dollars.
LOA: 49’7”
Beam: 14’9”
Draft: 3’9”
Displ.: 32,120 lbs.
Fuel: 449 gals.
Water: 137 gals.
Power: (2) 480-hp Volvo IPS650 pods
For more information, go to the Nimbus website.
