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Nimbus T9 (2020-)
1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado
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Brief Summary
Nimbus' Scandinavian design team builds its boats for the yachtsman who appreciates comfort, safety and functionality. The Nimbus T9 is the first of the new 9M series of boats by the Swedish boatbuilder and she is designed as the successor to their popular Nova Series. She is the first of three versions built on the same hull, the T9 Tender, the C9 Commuter and the W9 Weekender.
Key Features
- Double-step v-hull
- Fully automatic ZipWake trimtab system
- Walk-around deck design
- Enclosed head
- 8-person capacity
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
600 | 2.7 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 286 | 248.9 | 63 |
1000 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 1.3 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 250 | 217.4 | 66 |
1500 | 6.2 | 5.4 | 1.9 | 3.4 | 2.9 | 253 | 220.3 | 68 |
2000 | 7.7 | 6.7 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 188 | 163.3 | 73 |
2500 | 8.8 | 7.6 | 5.3 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 126 | 109.6 | 76 |
3000 | 11.2 | 9.7 | 8.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 100 | 87.1 | 80 |
3500 | 16 | 13.9 | 10.9 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 111 | 96.5 | 83 |
4000 | 22.6 | 19.7 | 13.4 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 128 | 110.9 | 82 |
4500 | 31 | 27 | 15.3 | 2 | 1.8 | 154 | 133.6 | 83 |
5000 | 38.1 | 33.1 | 18.9 | 2 | 1.8 | 153 | 132.7 | 85 |
5500 | 43.7 | 38 | 24.8 | 1.8 | 1.5 | 133 | 115.9 | 86 |
5700 | 44.8 | 38.9 | 30.8 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 110 | 95.5 | 88 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 30'8" |
---|---|
Beam | 9' 8'' |
Dry Weight |
6,173 lbs. 2,800 kg |
Tested Weight |
7,295 lbs. 3,309 |
Draft | 3' 2'' |
Weight Capacity | 8 |
Fuel Capacity | 84.5 gal |
Water Capacity | 14.8 gal |
Total Weight |
7,295 lbs. 3,309 |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 5.4 sec. |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 23.9 sec. |
Props | 14.5x17 Enertia |
Load | 4 persons, 1/2 fuel, 1/2 water, 50 lbs. of gear |
Climate | 80 deg., 68 humid; wind: 5-10 mph; seas: <1 |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado 4.6L V8 |
---|---|
Std. Power |
1 x 250-hp Mercury Verado Cold White |
Opt. Power |
1 x 250-hp Mercury Verado V8 1x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8 1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado L6 1 x 270-hp Mercury Diesel 3.0L V6 Bravo3 1 x 300-hp Volvo Penta V8 CE/DPS 1 x 350-hp Volvo Penta V8 CE/DPS |
Captain's Report
By Capt. Nick Martinez
Overview
The Nimbus T9 is a 30’8” (9.35 m) day boat that is intended for versatile recreational boating. With its twin stepped hull, open cockpit, inboard or outboard engine options this boat is sure to peak interest from people looking for a configurable walk-around dayboat. It comes standard with a 250-hp Mercury outboard in the U.S. with multiple engine upgrades to the Mercury 300 or 350-hp Verado engines. It also does have an inboard version available in Europe.
Major Features
- Large sturdy rubber rub rail
- Bow thruster
- 250-hp Mercury Verado outboard
- Open bow rail for forward boarding
Design
Features Inspection
The Cockpit
The Nimbus T9’s cockpit shows the intended versatility in the design. The aft deck can be fitted-out with a straight sofa, that provides considerably more space, or it can be configured with a U-shaped sofa with seating for five. There is also a foldable teak table on two fixed pedestals just forward of the couch, the table is removable and stows into a dedicated insert in the in-deck storage when not in use. That insert is also removable for access to the bilge pumps and fresh water tank. With the table stowed away, the center backrest can be removable and fits between the two side cushions to convert to a sun pad. In addition, there is storage under each of the sofa seats.
Wet Bar
To enhance the social aspect of the T9 there is an optional wet bar that can be installed just behind the helm seats. The wet bar storage is covered by a hatch and padded bolster. The Wet bar comes with a sink, portable Weber gas grill, a Corian top, and storage underneath. There is also a grab rail just forward of the wet bar in the event there is a little rocking while cooking.
Stern
The entertainment aspects continue aft to the stern of the boat. There is a 7" (17.78 cm) step by the aft seat and another 3" (7.62 cm) step just before the swim platform. When walking to the stern of the boat we notice that the bulwarks are 29" (73.66 cm) high with the rails going up to 31" (78.74 cm), far exceeding ABCY standards. The whole platform is covered in teak decking, continuing the style of the rest of the deck. Notice there are high grab rails to both sides of the reboarding ladder making it easier to get in and out of the water. One of the more important aspects of the stern is the two platforms that extend past the engine. In case of an error docking, the platforms take the hit, not the engine. Another nice design feature is that even with the extended platform, it takes into account the full turning radius of the outboard while leaving us maximum space.
Optional Tops
The Nimbus T9 comes standard with a hard T-top, but it can be deleted from the build. It includes plenty of LED lighting, a grab rail around the trailing edge with six rocket launcher style rod holders. On the perimeter, there are tracks for a canvas that will go all the way to the down attaching to deck fitting to will enclose the entire area. The hardtop also comes with an electric opening sunroof that has guttered edges to prevent water on top from entering the boat. The hardtop not only adds additional functionality to the T9 but also adds to the good looking profile of the boat as well.
The Bow
There are 10" (25.40 cm) steps on each side of the console that lead to 15" (38.10 cm) wide side decks. The bulwarks come up to 17" (43.18 cm) and the rails top out at 23" (58.42 cm). There is also LED courtesy lighting around the bulwarks. Forward of the helm console, there is a 46" (116.84 cm) wide seat that can open to the cabin underneath allowing ventilation or simply load gear in. Fully forward there is a 13" (33.02 cm) elevated platform, covered in teak, that leads to a split bow rail design suitable for bow-in boarding. In the center of the platform is a hatch that exposes the anchor locker and a Lewmar anchor windlass. There are also accommodations to the side for line storage. There is also an option to add padded side bolsters that attach to both port and starboard side bulwarks as well as another optional foldable teak table attached to two fixed pedestals.
The Helm
The T9 has an ergonomic starboard side helm with an adjustable captain and observer seat, both with flip-up bolsters. It comes standard with a 9" (22.86 cm) Garmin MFD (Multi-Function Display), but there is also the option to have a 12"(30.48 cm), 16"(40.64 cm) or dual 12" (30.48 cm) displays that are connected to the engine, so no need for gauges. The compass is in line with the helm and mounted on a soft-touch dash. The digital throttle and bow thruster control are right alongside the steering wheel, which is on a tilt base. The ZipWake trim tab system control is located right under the throttle. There is a SmartCraft gauge on the left side of the helm with accessory buttons on top. A Fusion stereo head is located on the starboard helm bulwark with a storage cubby just below.
Cabin
You enter the cabin through a port side flying door. Under the entrance, there is a comfortable seat. The cabin has an overhead clearance of 4'11" (1.49 m), 3'5" (1.04 m) over the seat, and 2'5" (0.74 m) over the bed. There are storage pockets to the aft and port bulkheads. The easily accessible head has 4' 11"(1.49 m) of overhead clearance and comes with a molded vanity sink.
Performance
The Nimbus T9 has an LOA of 30'6" (9.29 m), a beam of 9'7" (2.92 m), and a draft of 17” (33.18 cm). With 42-gallons (159 L) of fuel and 10-gallons (38 L) and four people aboard our test boat, we had an estimated test weight of 7,295 lbs. (3,309 kg).
With a single Mercury 350 Verado 4.6L V8 engine turning a 14.5” x 17” Enertia propeller, we hit a top speed of 45 mph at 5700 rpm. We found our best cruise speed at 4500 rpm at 31 mph. With a fuel burn of 15.3 gph, that translated into 1.8 nmpg and a range of 133.6 nautical miles, all while holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boats 84-gallon (317.98-L) total fuel capacity. At trolling speed, we recorded 2.7 mph at 600 rpm and 3.7 mph at 1000 rpm. The T9 planed at 11.6 mph in 5.4 seconds, we reached 20 mph in 16.2 seconds and 30 mph at 23.9 seconds.
Handling
She handled well at cruising speed and afforded a comfortable ride. With the flared out hull, we noticed she was also a very dry ride even going through our camera boat's chop. She was responsive at the helm but at high speed turns there was a good amount of ventilation so it is best to avoid a lot of cranking and banking. There was a little hull slap only when going above cruising speed. The T9 handled well in turns, sliding nicely with no chine walk at all.
Engine Options
Outboard
- Mercury Verado V8 300-hp ($4,000)
- Mercury Verado V8 350-hp ($9,647)
Inboards (not currently available in the USA)
-
Volvo Penta V8 CE/DPS 350-hp ($3,176)
-
Mercury Diesel 3.0L V6 270-hp ($19,059)
Options
- Wet bar with water, sink, cushion, and portable Weber gas grill ($3,400)
- U-shaped sofa ($1,741)
- Water-ski pole ($ 541)
- Fishing rode holders ($1,094)
- Bow Lewmar windlass ($3,506)
- Top with electronic canvas roof system ($13,412)
Pricing
MSRP $219,935
Observations
Overall, the Nimbus T9 is an impressive boat. The amount of space is the first thing that catches our eye on this boat but there is also plenty of functionality throughout. She was easy to use and was comfortable all around as a good day boat, all while having the capability of being an overnighter. Comfort, functionality, and ease of use are the top three things that we appreciated about this boat. It all came together in the Nimbus T9.