The shipyard was founded in Sweden in 1968 and has always attached great importance to craftsmanship and design. True to the motto "made in Sweden", you can see the Scandinavian touch in every Nimbus, which is very popular with owners. The lines are clear and not playful, the materials are of high quality. The result is robust and durable boats. They are designed for the rough waters of the north and enjoy a reputation as safe all-weather boats. In more southerly waters, the coupé and commuter models are popular, with a spacious, covered deck saloon and well thought-out cruising details. The range of boats currently starts at around 8 metres in length and extends up to 13.33 metres. In this test, we take a closer look at the Nimbus T9. The "T" stands for tender, but can it really only be used as a transport boat or can it do more? We tested it at Boote Polch in Traben-Trabach.
Many well thought-out features
The T9 is already in the harbour when we arrive. It's still cold and there's fog over the water. It should clear up later, so we get a first impression of the boat and take some measurements. When you enter the T9 via the stern, the first thing you notice is the optional T-top. The Nimbus is available in three different versions, explains Managing Director Patric Polch. The closed T-top with a panoramic roof that lets sunlight into the cockpit, or the T-top version with an electric opening sunroof. The other version has a folding spray bonnet. We drove the first version.
A U-shaped bench seat for a maximum of five people is located under the roof in the rear. If you don't want to sit at the table, the sofa can easily be converted into a sun lounger. A wet bar with sink and space for a portable Weber gas barbecue has been installed to separate it from the driving position. A stainless steel grab handle has also been installed here so that you can hold on to it while driving. Further forward is the steering position and the companionway into the cabin, but more on this later. The steering position is painted in matt dark grey and looks very classy. The dark colour means you will look in vain for reflections in the windscreen. The Simrad plotters form the centre of the instrument panel. Two 12-inch displays have been installed here. The steering wheel and throttle lever are easy to reach both when standing and sitting. Both feel very good and sit comfortably in the hand. The built-in zipwake system, i.e. an automatic trim system, can also be operated from here. The Fusion music system and the Webasto heater are also operated from here. Certain functions, such as the windscreen wipers, are controlled via buttons. We also like the built-in compass.
A large opening hatch is installed in the bow of the T9. It can be used as an emergency hatch or to ventilate the cabin. With a few simple steps and an extra cushion, the seat can be transformed into a 1.95 metre long and 1.00 metre wide sunbathing area. An anchor locker with optional electric anchor winch is also located here at the front. The entire boat is fitted with a stainless steel railing. You can hold on to anything while travelling. We also like this and it is typical of Nimbus. When you enter the cabin, you will not only find a large bed (1.91 metres x 1.81 metres), but also a small but perfectly adequate separate toilet. Of course, you shouldn't expect miracles in terms of headroom and freedom of movement - after all, that's not what the boat is designed for - but it's certainly enough for a weekend.
The centrepiece of the Nimbus T9
With the two 225 hp Mercury outboards, we think she is super motorised. As we know, manoeuvring is easier with two engines and even if one engine fails, you can still head for safe harbour without outside help. With a top speed of 47 knots, even escaping a rain front quickly is no problem. The boat is also available with just one engine as an option. In this case, outboards from 250 hp to the large Mercury V10 with 400 hp or the two 225 hp Mercurys we drove are available.
About the driving characteristics
At a slow displacement speed of around 700 revolutions per minute, the Swede drives perfectly straight ahead. Passenger weight shifts do not disturb her, she holds her course unimpressed. The transition to planing speed begins at around 2150 rpm and ends at the lowest possible planing speed of 2600 rpm. The boat travels at 15 knots and consumes 28.5 litres per hour, mind you with both engines together. A good planing speed is 3000 rpm and 21.5 knots. At this speed, we start to make circles - without any problems. The Tender 9 does exactly what the helmsman wants. It lays on its side normally and not excessively and pulls tight circles. Just in such a way that it is safe, but not boring. If you accelerate out of a bend and push the gear lever all the way forwards, it moves forwards swiftly. Of course, the standard ZIP trim tab helps with the transition from displacement to gliding, so that the view forwards remains unrestricted at all times. At high speed, the plotter displays a GPS-measured speed of 47 knots. Both engines then consume a total of 150 litres of fuel. If you subtract 15 percent from the 320 litres of fuel for the reserve in the tank, the boat has a range of 85 nautical miles. However, anyone travelling at full throttle will have to live with a noise level of 93 dB(A). This was measured at the helm. The economical planing speed is 27.1 knots with a range of 150 nautical miles. Those who enjoy water skiing or wakeboarding will reach their perfect speed of 14 knots at 2250 revolutions per minute. The stern wave is medium-high, but it's enough for fun. The optional water ski pole at the stern is of course a must on the equipment list.
The bow thruster helps when mooring. But even without it, the boat is easy to moor. Back from the water, we fit the cockpit tarpaulin, which we can also sail with. Even at 30 knots, we couldn't feel or hear the tarpaulin flapping. A real all-weather boat. It is erected in just a few minutes.
Nimbus T9 - a chameleon
Jonas Göthberg, Managing Director of Nimbus, describes the boat as follows: "The T9 is like a chameleon and can adapt to most situations, e.g. transport to and from a holiday home for most of the year, as a tender for a larger boat, for a variety of water sports, fishing, overnight stays or social activities on board with friends and family."
We can only confirm this and answer the initial question of whether the Nimbus Tender 9 can only be used as a transport boat in the negative. In our opinion, it is a well-equipped weekend boat. Of course, you have to make a few compromises in terms of comfort, but if that doesn't bother you, the T9 is a good boat for you. If you don't want to do without it, you should take a closer look at the Nimbus W 9. The hull is the same.
Our conclusion
Anyone who values quality and functionality should definitely take a look at the Nimbus T9. As is typical for Nimbus, everything is expertly finished and we couldn't find any negative points. With its twin engines, it is well equipped and suitable for any use. Whether in the cold north with a cockpit cover or in the warm Mediterranean, we think she cuts a fine figure in any area.
Technical data
- Shipyard: Nimbus / Sweden
- Type: Tender 9
- CE categoryC / 8 persons
- Length over everything: 9,35 m
- Width: 2,95 m
- Weight: 697 kg (o. M.)
- Clearance height: 3,00 m
- Draught: 0,80 m
- Fuel tank: 320 l
- Fresh water tank: 80 l
- Test motorisation: Outboard engine 2 x 225 hp
