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An optimum longdistance cruiser
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Completely in harmony
with the ways of the sea,
the Nimbus 380 Commander is a boat full of
opportunity for families
who enjoy the adventure
of long voyages.
told us their children originally opted for
a swish, ultra-modern flying bridge
model. But when they found they could
have both a flying bridge and a boat that
looks as if it means real business, they
clamoured for the 380 Commander.
Although those who have used a Nimbus
before might be regarded as biased, they
do understand the priorities of the brand.
If they choose another model of the same
make, it suggests they feel they have found
t
HE KIND OF
person attracted by
something even better. Quite a few cus-
the Nimbus 380 Commander
tomers have bought their 380 Commander,
looks at not just the model and
sailed it 2000 nautical miles in the first
the brand name, but also at her
season and then reported that their
workmanlike, professional styling. A boat
that possesses both seaworthiness and
elegance is quite unusual.
The 380 Commander
comes with many advan-
expectations have been met in full.
“The boat has performed brilliantly on
“twin engines provide
excellent manoeuvring
ability”
tages, including a separate
all our voyages. What we
like most is the working
boat aura, that the 380
looks so robust. It feels
wheelhouse, and at the same time features
right,” are common comments. At dis-
a flying bridge which is surprisingly roomy
placement speeds for canal cruising, for
for a boat of this size. Families who have
example, the Nimbus 380 Commander is
fallen for this boat’s characteristics have
excellent. The easy interplay between
The wheelhouse is reminiscent of a workboat’s, with doors opening onto the deck, and
a no-nonsense helm area.
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The Commander’s flying bridge is roomy, sheltered and very easy to get to.The wheelhouse scores on practicality, with a snug atmosphere and
room enough to both sit and stand.
shafts and rudders maintains steady
particularly inviting, but rigged out in full
says another owner. “It feels good up there,
directional stability, and the twin engines
foul weather gear, outdoor lovers can sit
looking out over my surroundings. But the
provide superb manoeuvrability in tight
up here and defy the elements in relative
best thing about the 380 is that it is built
situations. Features such as these are
comfort. The windscreen deflects wind
so ruggedly.”
appreciated by sea-faring folk. And of
and wet away from the recessed helm, and
Owners also like to point out that the
course the twin Volvo Penta KAMD43s of
the seat height is as good as on a workboat.
midships companionway provides much
230 hp each will speed the craft along at
“I prefer to sit on the flying bridge,”
easier access between wheelhouse and
28 knots – far more than permissible on
inland waterways, but ideal when travelling fast over open lakes or when homeward bound along the coast.
Quiet and smoke-free operation are
important considerations on longer voyages,
as is the sheer weight of the boat, which
means safer handling in heavier seas. The
380’s directional stability becomes even
more noticeable when the boat is on
autopilot: few course adjustments are
needed as the boat holds its heading
without wandering.
When skies are grey, the flying bridge
of the 380 Commander might not seem
The usage grade of the wheelhouse is optimum, with a snug atmosphere and room enough to
both sit and stand.
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Light and airy, tidy and practical.The saloon features a U-sofa, angled galley and a folding table at the point of maximum beam.
flying bridge than the aft ladder.
More practicality is provided by the
the day’s events and planning the next
the seamanlike qualities of the 380 Com-
day’s cruise. And as it should be, the chart
mander, with room for coiling ropes
side doors, enabling the skipper to be on
table is big enough to spread out a full-
smartly on the aft rail, for example, fender
deck quickly to attend to fenders and
sized chart.
compartments and a weatherproof cover
mooring ropes. The
doors are also ideal
when coming
“the doors are ideal when
coming alongside and
jumping onto the jetty”
The crew can take dinner in the
that fits snugly over the flying bridge.
saloon, which enjoys a simple and
Such touches increase pride of ownership
practical layout, with the large
– a common denominator for Nimbus
alongside and jumping onto the jetty,
galley along the whole of one side and the
owners in general and Commander lovers
allowing the Nimbus 380 Commander to
U-sofa opposite. Although both galley and
in particular.
be handled confidently by one person.
sofa have been fitted in below the level of
This in turn is a sign of a good long-dis-
the side decks, the whole area still feels
380 include the heavy mast, large enough
tance boat, and an asset for experienced
spacious. While this arrangement aft is
to take various antennae but collapsible
sailors who enjoy the challenge of han-
somewhat radical, the layout forward of
for canal and waterways cruising; the gen-
dling their boats themselves.
the wheelhouse is more conventional. The
erously proportioned bollards, the solidity
The wheelhouse is large enough to
children can sleep in the
Other good seagoing features of the
“the heavy mast, large
enough to take several
antennae, is collapsible
for inland waterway’s
cruising”
of the guardrails and the
accommodate three people, one taking the
guest cabin to port, while
helm while the others can look after the
their parents occupy the
navigation. The passenger seat is wide
forecabin. With the insert
enough for two adults, and with standing
panel in place even those
room for one more, the wheelhouse has
on the tall side will find they have plenty
broad side decks, providing plenty of room
room for a whole family. In harbour, the
of sleeping room.
to walk about the boat in safety, add further
navigation area can be used for recording
A genuine blue water sailor will like
practical rubber fendering
fitted right around the
boat to minimise the risk
of damaging the hull. The
to the Commander’s seamanlike appeal.
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panels in a classic, golden brown, sat-
inspections to guarantee quality.
isfy the most demanding tastes. As
Nimbus prefers to rely on the impar-
does the varnish work and the wood
tiality of DNV to ensure each boat
fixtures, thickly coated with a medium
meets the proper standards.
matt finish. The high standard of the
So the Nimbus 380 Commander
380’s interior is the jewel in its crown,
offers the long-distance sailor seawor-
guaranteed by Nimbus’s well-organ-
thiness, an attractive appearance,
ised production systems, its commit-
beautiful finish, superior inner quality
ment to being the best and its ability
and a lasting residual value. Why
to deliver overall quality.
settle for anything less? ■
The construction techniques used
in building the 380 Commander might
380 Commander specifications
seem less glamorous than the fine
Length
11.50 m
One of the nicest things about the 380
detailing of the interior, but they
Beam
3.60 m
is the way provokes spontaneous
reflect the company’s overall philos-
Displacement
6800 kg
praise: from guests aboard, from other
ophy. Nimbus is one of the few boat-
Water
430 litres
boating people and from seagoing pro-
builders to employ third-party
Fuel
755 litres
fessionals. Owners confirm that its
scrutiny of procedures, choice of mate-
Engines
22VP TAMD44
seaworthy look, teak lantern boxes,
rials, installation and the end result.
Power
22230 hp
the height of the deckhouse and
This quality assurance is provided by
overall design make the 380 feel
DNV (Det Norske Veritas) and means
Cruising speed approx 25 knots
exactly right.
you can be assured your 380 Com-
Top speed
approx 32 knots
mander has a strong and rigid hull
Range
approx 300 nautical miles
The joinery too, invites admiration.
22169 kW
Experienced sailors often comment on
laminate, and that the engine installa-
the Nimbus finish, and those who pay
tion, fuel system, electrics, steering,
Plus points
particular attention to edges, roof lin-
windows, tanks, ventilation, LPG and
Seaworthy design
ings and hidden corners will not be
fire protection all accord with CE
Smooth running – straight drive shafts
disappointed – all these details are
standards. Inspectors make random
– good cruising speed
extremely well fitted. The woodwork,
and unannounced checks, verifying
Carefully thought-out layout
in teak with matching bulkheads and
drawings and carrying out internal
Businesslike appearance
12 • NIMBUS WORLD
The attractive cabin contains a comfortable double berth for those who appreciate generous space.