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

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

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.