Scandinavian boats have a good reputation. Not only because of their quality, which is something of a trademark in the north, but also because they are considered to be particularly suitable for rough water and usually have a specially protected cockpit. This is due to the fact that Scandinavians often take their boats out beyond the end of the season, whether for fishing or for trips to the archipelago.
The Swedish brand Nimbus has been known for over 50 years for its ability to fulfil all the requirements of a Scandinavian boat in a particularly successful and stylish way. Their boats are elegant, well-built and exquisitely equipped. Nimbus boats are not just high quality - they are legendary.
The new Nimbus T8 is primarily designed as a classy day cruiser for the archipelago, so that Swedes can reach their holiday homes on the rocks at the weekend. "A functional day tender for those who appreciate Scandinavian design, well thought-out solutions and comfort," says Jonas Göthberg, Sales Manager at Nimbus, adding: "A day cruiser that starts where the Nova and R series ends."
Need more information? The test of the Nimbus T8 with all technical data, further measurement results and full evaluation can be found in BOOTE issue 12/2020 from 18 October 2020 at newsstands or online at Delius Klasing Shop.
The sheltered steering position with a transparent T-top made of Lexan can be closed all round with a tarpaulin in cold weather. With two berths and a fully-fledged toilet room, the T8 even offers the option of spending a night on board.
As soon as you enter the boat, you have the feeling that you have arrived in the luxury class. Everything you touch feels high quality - whether it's the well-crafted seats, the solid, robust wooden table or the immaculately laid teak deck on the floor. The equipment at the helm station is very extensive and framed in a matt velvety surface. A large 12-inch Simrad plotter displays nautical charts and radar images (extra), while an additional engine panel provides information on consumption and performance. The Zipwake trim system optimises performance and helps to save fuel. Bow thruster, radio and Fusion sound system complete the steering position with the height-adjustable leather steering wheel. Backlit push buttons activate the lighting and windscreen wipers. A fully electronic gearstick controls the large 8-cylinder Mercury, allowing it to shift gears with buttery smoothness and precisely meter the throttle.
Well thought out down to the last detail
As is typical for Nimbus, the T8 is not lacking in clever extras. The LED strip, for example, which surrounds the entire cabin and illuminates the interior as bright as day, making the room, which is already impressively spacious for the size of the boat, appear even more voluminous. The teak footrest for the co-driver and the well-dimensioned, folding teak table are also unlikely to be found on any other boat in such a solid design. Naturally, the standard equipment does not include a compass or fire extinguisher.
There are hardly any technical installations to be found anywhere on the boat. Whichever locker you open, the view always falls on smooth, polished gelcoat. Only the fuse box with the main battery switches can be found in the rear locker under the seat. Only when you remove a canvas bag from the rear locker can you see the on-board electronics behind it, with two batteries, boiler, water tank, electric and manual bilge pump and much more. A wealth of technology that you would actually expect to find on a much larger boat.
We take a test drive. The boat is authorised for up to 8 people, all of whom can be safely seated in the cockpit during fast, rough sailing. The 300 hp Mercury Verado starts its eight cylinders with a low rumble and is then barely distinguishable from the surrounding noise at 56 dB at idle speed.
Thanks to its tight turning circle and bow thruster, the Nimbus is easy to manoeuvre out of the box, sits beautifully on the rudder and steers wonderfully straight ahead at both slow and fast displacement speeds without yawing.
When accelerating, it raises the nose slightly from 3000 rpm, but still allows a view of the horizon from a seated position, even if the seat cushion at the front then comes slightly into the field of vision. At this speed, the engine can finally be heard from behind. Good planing speed is achieved from 4000 rpm and 26.5 knots. This is also when the Nimbus T8 is at its most economical and can travel up to 133 nautical miles on one tank of fuel (240 litres, minus 15 percent reserve). The Nimbus reaches a top speed of 45.6 knots and still has a range of 103 nautical miles at 5800 rpm. However, the V8 can then be clearly heard from behind at 88 dB.
The T8 handles fast manoeuvres very well and safely. Although it sometimes slips away briefly at higher speeds (from 40 knots) and fast hook strokes aft, it always recovers immediately and remains stable in its behaviour. Fast turns are also possible without any problems. However, you should avoid making too tight circles with the boat at high speeds. If you start circling at 40 knots, the Nimbus may suddenly lie horizontally on the water and lift the stern to break away, but this can be avoided by reducing the throttle in good time. At 30 knots, however, such manoeuvres are still possible without any worries.
Conclusion
The Nimbus T8 is a masterpiece of Swedish boatbuilding and offers a great package of elegance, comfort and good performance. The equipment is unrivalled on much larger boats. Every material has been carefully selected for quality and utility. A fully thought-out, successful boat that cuts just as good a figure as a day cruiser on family trips as it does as a tender boat in its home waters, the Swedish archipelago.
