Nimbus 495 Flybridge, sea trial of an out-of-the-ordinary explorer yacht

Nimbus-495-Flybridge

The brand-new Nimbus 495 Flybridge was one of the most anticipated models on the market. Resulting from the ingenuity of the Nordic shipyard, which best represents the high-end segment of all Scandinavian production, this boat brings a wealth of technical and stylistic innovations. Innovations that, on the one hand, create a type of yacht that simply did not exist before, and on the other hand, undoubtedly allow it to maintain that “family feeling” that has brought Nimbus Boat so much success in recent years. Thus, you can understand why, when we were invited to test it in preview, we did not miss the opportunity and literally rushed to Gothenburg, Sweden, where all the boats of this amazing shipyard are built.

Nimbus 495 Flybridge Sea Trial

To fully understand why a Nimbus is a Nimbus, you must, at least once in your lifetime, immerse yourself in the Swedish yachting lifestyle. A wonderful ecosystem forged by the relationship these sailors have with their archipelago and the northern seas, a complex relationship based on the solidity of these boats and their ability to naturally handle even the roughest seas.

It is perhaps for this reason that Nimbus chose the Island of Donso for the presentation and test of the new Nimbus 495 Flybridge, an explorer yacht that, as we will see later, easily combines beauty and seaworthiness, two characteristics naturally inherent in these places, where it is equally natural to use the boat to go to school, to work, or simply to meet friends, regardless of the weather conditions.

These are necessary premises when analyzing a boat of this type, which moreover defies any classification. An explorer yacht that possesses, as you will see, a strong inclination to cover distances in any condition, in maximum comfort.

Upon entering the main deck of the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, you immediately notice how the shipyard’s design has succeeded in creating a versatile boat. We are on board a flybridge, but with all the windows and the roof open, it feels like being on an open boat, where the boundaries between exterior and interior are erased.

I reach the interior helm station and sit down. From this chair, the visibility is perfect at 360 degrees, and all the necessary instrumentation for navigation and docking is within reach. I set the electronic throttles to “single lever” and then engage forward gear. The Nimbus 495 Flybridge sails smoothly without rolling, unaffected by the cross waves, thanks to the shipyard’s meticulous study of weight distribution.

At 8 knots, we navigate in first class, with very low consumption and minimal emissions. Under these conditions, the range provided by the 1,700-liter tank is extraordinary, more than sufficient for long crossings.

Accelerating a bit, at just under 11 knots and without changing trim, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge immediately starts planing. This is a valuable feature that, on the one hand, reveals careful hull design and, on the other, allows us to navigate safely even in rough seas.
Accelerating further, the boat fully extends, and between 15 and 23/24 knots, it offers an endless range of possible cruising speeds. This allows the Nimbus 495 Flybridge to adapt to the many different situations and needs of modern boat owners.
While cruising around 20 knots, I decide to close all the windows and the sliding roof, which I do without leaving the helm, simply using the controls on the large left-hand display. Thanks to the electric servo controls, in 30 seconds, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge transforms from its fully open version to a closed one, and immediately, an incredible silence falls over the boat, less than 60 decibels. This speaks volumes about the level of comfort in navigation offered by this yacht.
But it’s time to push this boat to the limit, so I throttle up and, after trimming a bit, reach a top speed of 29.6 knots. This is impressive for a boat of this type, especially considering that we are powered by “only” a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 650 engines, 480HP each.
Without slowing down, I quickly turn to starboard. The Nimbus 495 Flybridge leans in and, without hesitation, draws a circle about 40 meters in diameter, which is quite good for a yacht like this. I counter-steer and go in search of our own waves, which, once reached, we cross with ease. The hull cuts through the high waves effortlessly, without impact or vibration.

Intrigued by this behavior, I try again, searching for waves generated by passing boats. I find a particularly large one and pass no more than twenty meters from the stern, crossing a steep, nasty wake. Despite my efforts, the result is the same as before. Sure, the bow rises, but when it comes down, it re-enters the water very gently—a result as unexpected as it is pleasant. This Nimbus 495 Flybridge has an excellent hull design.

Back at the dock, I test the new “Assisted Docking System,” which practically allows anyone to steer this 50-footer with impressive precision and simplicity. When the system is activated, the joystick changes its mode of operation, and if released, it locks the boat in its current position. Giving the joystick a nudge forward, backward, or sideways moves the boat in the desired direction by one foot, or 30 centimeters. Moving it in the desired direction activates the “corridor” function, allowing the boat to advance or reverse in a straight line without the wind causing it to drift. All the usual Volvo joystick functions are, of course, still available, such as lateral translation, rotation, etc.

In practice, I docked 20 centimeters from the quay, released the joystick, and without even securing a line to the dock, despite the side wind, the boat remained immobile. We got on and off multiple times. Docking the new Nimbus 495 Flybridge with this system is as easy as parking a car, making the operation accessible to everyone.

Conclusions

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge is a revolutionary boat, decidedly out of the ordinary. It boasts outstanding seaworthiness and can be used in both summer and winter, or, if you prefer, in the Mediterranean as well as in Alaska. It is a practical boat that offers superior cruising comfort, making it ideal for demanding owners who expect the utmost from their boat, because that is precisely what the Nimbus 495 Flybridge is capable of offering.

Performance

RPM	Speed in knots	Consumption in l/nm	Consumption in l’h	Theoretical Range
600	3.4	1.4	4.8	1214
1,000	5.7	1.4	8.0	1214
1,250	6.8	1.9	12.9	895
1,500	8.1	2.5	20.3	680
1,750	9.0	3.2	28.8	531
2,000	9.9	4.3	42.6	395
2,250	10.7	5.4	57.8	315
2,500	12.5	5.9	73.8	288
2,750	15.2	5.9	89.7	288
3,000	18.6	6.1	113.5	279
3,250	21.5	6.2	133.3	274
3,500	24.4	6.5	158.6	262
3,750	27.8	6.9	191.8	246
3,850	29.6	6.9	204.2	246

Test conditions: calm to slight seas, wind from 10 to 15 knots, 9 people on board, 75% fuel, 60% water.

The new Nimbus 495 Flybridge in detail

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge is a yacht perfectly at home in both the Mediterranean and harsher climates, a fact evident as soon as you step on board. This boat has the unique ability to transform, shifting from a traditional motor yacht to an open yacht that connects with the outdoors when temperatures rise. The slightly set-back flybridge allows for a large sliding roof that, along with the side windows and rear door, disappears at the press of a button, thus eliminating the barriers between interior and exterior spaces.

This functional revolution results in an extraordinary boat capable of satisfying even the most discerning tastes. After all, one look at its construction reveals that we are dealing with the highest levels of quality. The choice of woods, fabrics, and components unequivocally demonstrates that on the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, quality is beyond question.

Exteriors

Climbing aboard from the stern, you immediately notice the large submersible platform equipped with retractable steps. This system allows for effortless tender storage and launching, while also providing a spacious beach club area featuring three large storage compartments, perfect for storing all water toys.

Ascending a single step, you enter the exterior dinette of the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, equipped with an L-shaped sofa and a folding table. This area is protected by a large, electrically retractable glass window that disappears when it’s warm. Opposite, a large window opens completely, revealing the kitchen peninsula, which, thanks to two extensions, is perfect for use as a bar.

Convenient side-decks lead to the bow, where there is a large relaxation area centered around a huge sun pad. The latter can accommodate 3-4 people lying down to sunbathe or, thanks to the adjustable backrests, reclining in two enormous chaise longues. At the foot of the sun pad, two opposing sofas can be used for cocktails or relaxation when the central table is mounted, and the entire area can be shaded with a large canopy supported by carbon poles.

Access to the flybridge is via a staircase on the left side of the aft dinette. Here, you immediately notice the two forward-facing chairs, with the starboard one positioned at the center of the boat and reserved for the captain. From this position, visibility is perfect all around, and with the descending hatch open, the stern of the boat is clearly visible—an important feature during maneuvers.

To the right of the helm seat is a large sun pad that extends seamlessly towards the stern, connecting to a large U-shaped sofa that can accommodate 5-6 guests around the central table. A large awning can be extended from the roll bar to cover the entire upper deck of the Nimbus 495 Flybridge.

Interiors

The main deck salon is decidedly large and welcoming. Immediately after the galley on the left, there is a U-shaped sofa that, opposite another sofa on the right, accommodates eight people for dining or socializing indoors around the central expandable table. Behind the sofa, a window opens electronically, while opposite, aft of the helm chair, there is a huge hatch that allows the captain to quickly exit during docking maneuvers and provides an invaluable view of the sea to guests seated on the sofa.

Moving further forward, on the left, aligned with the helm chair, there is a third sofa equipped with two forward-facing seats and a wonderful chaise longue. Thanks to the slanted windshield, this entire area is covered by a very large retractable roof.

Descending to the lower deck of the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, we immediately find a large bathroom that serves as a day toilet, equipped with a separate shower, and also serves the two guest cabins. To the right, there is a cabin with two bunk beds and ample floor space.

At the very bow, there is a very spacious VIP cabin with a central queen-size bed, offering panoramic views through two side windows. This area boasts ample storage space under the bed, in two side cabinets, and in two wardrobes.

Accessing the Master Cabin involves passing through the door that separates the owner’s suite. This area, equipped with an en-suite bathroom, exploits the maximum beam of the boat to create a surprisingly spacious environment with generous headroom.

Thanks to clever design, one can easily stand along the entire walkway around the centrally positioned king-size bed, flanked by bedside tables. Upon entering, to the left, there is an exceptionally long and wide sofa that can also serve as an additional berth if needed. To the right, there is a second sofa and a desk/wall unit.

The ceiling heights above the bed are higher than usual, allowing one to sit comfortably on the mattress with plenty of space above the head.

Storage space abounds here as well, so spending extended periods on board won’t be a problem. As you’ve probably gathered, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge is perfectly designed for this purpose.

Nimbus 495 Flybridge: Technical Specs

LOA	15 m	49′ 7″
LH	13.7 m	44′ 8″
Max Beam	4.60 m	14′ 9″
Draft	1.20 m	3′ 9″
Light Displacement	14.600 kg	32 120 lbs
Normal Displacement	17,600 kg	38 720 lbs
Full displacement	20,260 kg	44 572 lbs
Diesel tank	1,700 l	449 US gal
Water Tank	520 l	137 US gal
Grey Water tank	340 l	90 US gal
Black water tank	170 l	45 US gal
Hot Water Heater Capacity	80 l	21 US gal
Start battery 12V	2 x 95Ah (850 CCA EN) 4 (2+2)
Heavy Aux 24V	4 x 95Ah (850 CCA EN)
Aux 12V	660Ah
Engines	2 x Volvo Penta IPS 650
Category	B/C 10/12

NIMBUS.SE

Luca D'Ambrosio

Editor-in-chief, boat tester and journalist. Luca began sailing at an early age with his father then as an adult discovered sailing regattas and offshore racing. He has been working in publishing for more than 30 years and continues to sail incessantly, especially aboard the editorial staff's boat, an old lady of the seas that he has completely rebuilt and which serves excellently as a "mobile laboratory" for The International Yachting Media.