"Everything is built on one hull" is the formula that Nimbus has chosen for its 9-model series W, T and C and which the Swedish boat builder believes will lead to success. All three boats havethe same hull shell.
Everything else, such as the deck, layout and functionality, is customised and designed to match the name of the respective model:Weekender, Tender and Commuter.
So the customer has a choice. A simple concept that more and more shipyards have discovered for themselves. To shed some light on this, we tested two of the trio's boats, the W9 and the C9, and of course also took theDifferences in expansion under the magnifying glass.
But that's not all, the motorisation is also flexible, not only are theredifferent servicesn offered, but also the choice betweenInboard and the increasingly popular, high-performanceOutboards.
For our test duo, this means that the Nimbus W9 runs with aMercury 350-Veradowhich is charged by a Supercharger; the sister C9 with a high-capacityVolvo Penta 300 hp V8 petrol inboard engine. And with its Z-drive with duoprop, it also makes heavier boats glide well. But the Mercury's steel propeller also does its job convincingly.
But first to the different layouts: both have a double berth in the forward cabin. Their dimensions differ only slightly, but the access to the berths is different, as the C9 has a deep-drawn edge, which makes crawling into the berth a little more difficult than in the Weekender version.
Another comfort plus for the W9: a grid is placed under the cosy cushions to ensure good ventilation. However, this mesh is an accessory and can also be ordered for the commuter version at any time - which we recommend. The designer has not made any differences in the wet room, where both rooms are identical in size and are also equipped with the same level of comfort.
This includes a marine toilet, a washbasin and a side cabinet that offers plenty of storage space. The standing height of around 1.50 metres is not generous, but is sufficient for normal access and, of course, for using the toilet. If you want to brush your teeth at the washbasin, the toilet lid can also be used as a seat.
The reason for the slightly smaller sleeping area in the C9 is the installation location of the kitchen unit, as it is located in the cabin in the entrance area (the W9 has a wardrobe here) and is equipped with a sink and single-burner hob.
The stowage options are not particularly generous. The W9 with its galley in the cockpit looks more spacious. The entire block is wider and has deep drawers and a cupboard. The cooker is equipped with two hobs and the refrigerator is integrated at the same time.
In the sister C9, it is located in the side wall of the cab. In the latter, the crew is well protected from wind and weather, but it can be converted into a sunny spot in no time at all with the Waeco sliding roof. The W9 also has a roof.
This is an optional T-top, which is equipped with an electrically operated folding roof and also lets the sun in from above. The sides are closed with fabric soft top parts, which are attached to the roof with all-round zip fasteners.
Overall, the seating area in the Weekender version is more spacious than in the Commuter, which is already restricted by the dimensions of the driver's cabin. Although there is also a convertible seating area with table here, the designer has simply moved it aft and sideways into the open cockpit on the W version. As a result, its dimensions are correspondingly larger.
Anyone entering the open area of the C-Class will find comfortable cushions and a backrest on the raised engine compartment lid. Here, too, the carpool can make themselves comfortable. For sun-seekers, there is another sunbathing option on the foredeck of both boats, although the bow cushions have to be ordered at extra cost. There are major differences in the stern area of the test duo due to the motorisations:
The W version does not have the aforementioned engine box, instead there is a huge storage space under the stern bench. Further aft are the bathing platforms. Here, of course, the large continuous platform of the inboard model stands out. The outboard boat's platform is not exactly small either, but the outboard in the centre simply divides and reduces its size. To get in and out of the water easily, both models have long, wide swim ladders that can be folded out from the water. Non-slip floor structures and a suitable number of handholds and handrails ensure safe movement on board.
The steps in the floor take some getting used to when first boarding the boats. On the W9, it is advisable to use the starboard side deck, as it is noticeably wider than on the opposite side. This is particularly important to know when locking and mooring. The equally wide side decks of the C9 are easily accessed from the wheelhouse via the side doors.
Here, too, it makes sense (especially if you are travelling alone) to moor on the starboard side, as this is also where the driving position is located and you can easily reach the side deck with centre cleat through the door.
Driving and manoeuvring
The helm stations are ergonomically arranged on the boats and the controls are easy to reach. The standard equipment includes a 10-inch Garmin monitor, engine monitoring display and compass. If you want two twelve-inch monitors, you will have to pay around 4500 euros extra, but there is definitely enough space.
The seats (which can be moved forwards and backwards, and can also be swivelled in the W9) are once again the same and are fitted with firmly upholstered furniture in a sports version. When looking through the windscreen, the C9 shows stronger reflections (in aft sunlight) than the W9. On the other hand, the commuter version has a defroster system (only possible with an inboard engine). There are also two windscreen wipers with a washer system on both test boats. Anyone sitting in the driver's seat of the Weekendender will quickly notice that the seat has been moved slightly outwards and is not positioned directly in front of the steering wheel.
However, initial concerns were not confirmed by the driving manoeuvres, becauseSteering and gearstick are easy to operate in all situations. If you push the gear lever all the way forwards, the boat quickly switches from displacement to planing speed, helped by the standard ZIP trim tab system, which we have set to automatic.
Trimmed in this way, the boat accelerates from a standstill to 60 km/h in just over 13 seconds. The V-8 inboard motor in the C9 (also with zip system), which weighs around 500 kg, takes around 3.5 s longer.
At high speed, the Weekender is also ahead with around 7 km/h (almost 4 kn) more. On the other hand, there is agreement on the most economical planing speed: here, both boats can travel exactly 238 km (148 nm) on one tank of fuel minus 15 % reserve, which is aOrdinary value is.
However, the Weekender is 10 km/h (a good 5 knots) faster in this range. In terms of volume, the inboard engine dominates the quieter sounds over the entire cruising range.
Both boats go straight ahead well, have a powerful water ski wave and are lifted in the upper speed range with the power trim (the W9 can be trimmed a little more). At slow speeds, the difference is only very slight. The same applies to harbour manoeuvres, which are great with the bow thruster. In fast manoeuvres, we first drove the boats in automatic mode (ZIP flaps).
The Commuter has a tendency to rock. You can either get to grips with this by reducing the speed, or you have to pull very tightly into the bend. If you raise the trim tabs and set the power trim to down, it hardly bobs at all.
The Weekender lies on its side as normal, then pulls in tightly and finally drifts around with the rear. Without automatic trim, the handling behaviour changes only slightly. The skipper has both boats safely under control on slalom courses and when the steering is torn.
CONCLUSION
The Weekender 9 offers more living and open-air quality, which makes it particularly interesting for relaxing, swimming trips and excursions on nice days. With the T-top and tarpaulin, it can also be used in bad weather, but it does not offer the comfort advantage in bad weather that the Commuter does. However, the C9 is not only suitable for voyages of discovery, but also for the fishing community. When it comes to the engine, the Mercury feels sportier, but is also lighter and has 50 hp more than the equally agile V-8 inboard. The decision is probably also a question of faith.
