Test: Nimbus 405 Coupé - Coupé-typical: Nimbus new 405 has asymmetrical side decks

With the two coupé versions 335 and 365, Nimbus is already delighting boaters and experts. The 365, which won the "European Power Boat of the Year Award" in 2012, stands out in particular. Not only this success, but also the desire of Nimbus customers for a larger boat, led to the creation of the 405 Coupé. We drove the prototype in the Gothenburg archipelago in winter.

On our test day, the sea was absolutely calm. Good for the driving measurements, but bad for saying anything about the rough water behaviour of the boat. So just this much: the hull is "unimpressed" when travelling through its own waves.

In contrast, the boat's automatic trim system is clearly noticeable: If you switch it on and accelerate from displacement to planing speed, you have good foresight and a pleasant trim angle. If you start the same attempt without the automatic system with the trim tabs up, the bow lifts noticeably higher and good planing speed with reasonable visibility only starts at around 24 knots. Of course, the trim angle can also be set precisely in manual mode, and small planing speeds of around 20 knots are just as possible as in automatic mode. Ergo: The automatic mode offers comfort, but is not absolutely necessary.

The Nimbus proves its "long-distance characteristics" when travelling slowly: At around 6 knots with a consumption of a good
2.5 l/sm, the 1000 litres minus 15% reserve will get you well over 300 nm. At high speed, the economical range is between 21.5 and 23 knots, but then the consumption increases by a whopping 4 litres per second (to around 6.5 litres per second) and the tank load is only sufficient for around 130 nm, which is too low for this size of boat according to the BOOTE standard. At full throttle at 27 knots, the fuel gauge is even set to reserve after 113 nm.

The Nimbus hull acknowledges a turn in this speed range with a huge diameter, which is usually too large for a turn on wide rivers. The shipyard has recognised this problem and the sluggish steering and intends to rectify it, according to Jonas Göthberg (Commercial Director of Nimbus).

During harbour manoeuvres, the 405 Coupé, like most boats with a double shaft system and bow thruster, is extremely manoeuvrable and allows safe harbour manoeuvres. The best thing is that the skipper can also do this from the wide side deck (to starboard), as a door is installed next to the helm station, giving him easy access to the gear shift and bow thruster, which is particularly practical for one-man skippers when locking and mooring.

Manoeuvring is even easier from the double driver's bench, which offers plenty of space for an adult with a child, but is cramped for two "full-grown guys". The bench offers firm upholstery, lateral support, folding seats (standing function) as well as "forward" and "back" adjustment options. The latter and the footrest in front of the driving position allow the driver to find a relaxed sitting position. If you are 1.80 metres tall, you have to bend down a little when standing or open the sunroof.

When travelling at slow speed, the skipper has a good view forwards over the edge of the cut-out, while the view is more restricted when gliding due to the higher bow. The skipper enjoys an almost unrestricted all-round view when seated or leaning against the folded-up seat cushion. This is ensured by the undivided windscreen and the side window with narrow pillars and the glass rear area. Nimbus has installed two large windscreen wipers with washer plus defroster to ensure that there is no uncertainty even in rainy weather and splash water.

Volvo displays provide information about the engine status, and a Simrad NSS 12 touch plotter and analogue compass can be used for navigation. Our test boat was also fitted with a second monitor, radar and autopilot, which are available at extra cost. Switches with symbols and lighting are distributed across the entire driving position.

Nimbus has a practical idea for co-drivers: the front bench of the saloon seating area can be folded down and used either as a co-driver's bench or a seating group sofa. The seating area with folding wooden table can accommodate five adults. There is sleeping space for six people on board, accommodated in three cabins; all berths are large enough to accommodate adults.

Further praise: all berths have ventilation underneath and very comfortable cushions. The owner naturally has the largest double berth in the bow with side steps for easy entry and exit. It also goes without saying that he has an extra wet room. This is characterised by an electric toilet and shower area with a Plexi door that opens outwards, making it easy to get in. There is a day toilet for guests, which is smaller but also offers all the amenities. "Everything available and well organised," we note for the pantry directly at the saloon entrance on the starboard side.

Further aft is the cockpit, which is equipped with a beautiful seat/lounger combination. The huge bathing platform with wooden folding ladder is accessed via the stern passageway. A trademark of the Coupé series: a wide side deck leads to the foredeck on the starboard side, which should be used primarily as the deck on the port side is only wide enough. Apart from the port side deck (anti-slip structure), a standard, non-slip bar deck adorns the entire deck area. We also praise the fully equipped bilge system and the standard fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment.

The latter, which is hidden under a hatch (with gas dampers), can be found under the cockpit floor. Good sound insulation and encapsulated engines are responsible for the quiet ride (max. 77 dB/A). Nimbus has fitted the capsule walls with inspection hatches so that service work can be carried out. The quality of the installations impressed the tester, as did - apart from a few minor details - the overall finish of the boat.

Conclusion:
With the 405, Nimbus is consistently continuing the coupé series. It scores points with practical details, complete safety equipment, good workmanship - and guarantees boating pleasure.

Data sheet: Nimbus 405 Coupé

Shipyard: Nimbus Boats AB

Type designation: Nimbus 405 Coupé

CE category: B - Outside coastal waters

Material of hull and deck: Plastic

Length: 13,33 m

Width: 3,95 m

Displacement: 8,55 t

Price: 511.700,00 €