Boat Test: 2024 Nimbus T8

Overview

When I saw the new Nimbus T8 sitting dockside, its tilted hardtop reminded me of the fedora that Gene Kelly wore rakishly as he tap-danced through Singin’ in the Rain. Following my extensive test, I believe that this 26-footer, designed in Sweden and now built in the US, is going to paradiddle into your heart faster than Gene Kelly’s footwork. Described as the perfect boat for day-to-day activities, I found it is more than that. It certainly deserves to be on the magazine’s cover. 

First, the T8 is a walkaround dayboat with side decks made secure with 20-inch coamings capped by fat stainless-steel rails. Not surprising for a boat designed in a ­country with midnight sun, the foredeck has a convertible couch/sun pad, with an available overhead awning. The aft settee also converts for sun ­worshippers, and again, offers a retractable awning.  

The entire cockpit, from bow to stern platform, is decked in Eco Teak, a Dutch teak look-alike that I loved for its cooling, grippy surface. Forward, a Quick anchor windlass is tucked under a hatch and—ta-da!—there is also a Quick windlass aft for anchoring bow-in to sandbars.

Engine

The Nimbus T8 offers boat buyers a choice of a single 200, 250 or 300 hp Mercury outboard. My test boat sported a single Verado 300, and that pushed me past the 50 mph mark, even with several people aboard and full tanks. When it comes to close maneuvering, a bow thruster is standard.

Interior and Accessories

Skipper and companion get really comfy bucket seats with good side bolstering, so there’s no need to brace if you crank the Nimbus hard over. My test boat boasted a Simrad 12-inch touchscreen multifunction display for user-friendly operation. Nimbus nailed the helm ergonomics, from buttons to placement of throttles.

Just behind the two helm seats is a folding table to use with the rear bench seat and the swiveling helm chairs. This is clearly not a fishing boat, though it does have walk-arounds to the two stern platforms, where there is an impeccably welded towing bar for dragging water toys (it would do justice as a NASCAR roll bar).

Of note, there is storage everywhere—under the cockpit, and in nooks and crannies both ­inside and out. You’ll appreciate this because there is simply never enough stowage on a boat.

But wait, as they say, there’s more. Step down below and, while the console looks low from the outside, its deep-V hull means there’s more space than meets the eye from a dockside look. I discovered a V-berth forward, a mini console with sink, and an enclosed head with hot shower (another hot shower is on the aft deck) and a Bedford toilet. The accommodations certainly provide enough for an overnighter or a place to put the kiddos down for a nap. Air conditioning, powered by a lithium-ion battery bank, obviating the noise and fumes of a generator, is optional.

When it comes to performance, let’s not ­forget that Vikings, from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, were making long ocean voyages when most of the “civilized” world was staring at the sea with fear. So, yes, they’ve been building tough, seaworthy boats for a really long time. And the Nimbus is a proper successor, using modern technology.

Nimbus recently acquired EdgeWater Boats in Florida so, no matter what, consider this an American-built boat with Swedish styling. And the legendary EdgeWater construction, featuring Single-Piece Infusion, raises the bar, from the stringer system to the impeccably finished bilge. How do you say “brick house” in Swedish? 

Originally intended for use as a yacht tender (hence the “T”), the Nimbus has predictable and solid handling. Crank the wheel hard over, and it turns on a krona, banking solidly ­without ­cavitation. The hull shape is clearly aimed at deepwater use, with the 23-degree deep-V of race boats and a pair of steps to aerate the hull for less drag. One telling moment came when I did a hammer-down launch from idle, while forgetting to engage the Zipwake Interceptor trim tabs. Result? The Nimbus still came up flat and hard, with no loss of forward visibility. And as you might expect from a descendant of Viking longboats, it devours wind chop and can take on the Gulf Stream when called upon to do so.

Read Next: Nimbus T11

A thoughtful touch is the optional reinforced hardtop, designed not only for shade, but also to handle American necessities from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards. And there are tie-downs for these toys that double as handrails for going fore and aft.

Need a cold drink? A pullout fridge drawer under the rear seat makes it easy to grab a chilled can. Entertaining at night? Flip on the cool ­underwater LED lights.

Shopping? Check out the Axopar 25m, which costs $139,453 for the base boat with a single ­engine. It does not have an ­enclosed head.  

Stylishly hard-edged Euro styling with slab sides and plumb bow, impeccable ­construction from bilge to polycarbonate T-top, room to entertain, and enough speed to pull water toys, the Nimbus T8 is definitely one to put on your short list if you are a stylish, sporty, ­adventurous boater who occasionally enjoys overnights on the water.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Mercury Verado 300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.6″ x 19″ Revolution 4 stainless-steel 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 60 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

High Points

• Stern windlass—clever idea for bow-in anchoring situations.
• Fuse panel located in cockpit locker for immediate access.
• Large forward cargo hatch for loading gear or stashing fenders.
• Hot water with two showers.
• All hatches fully gasketed.

Low Point

• The cockpit table’s drink holders are so shallow, a paddleboard wake might upset a drink. Give us deeper cup holders, please.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation