Nimbus 495 Flybridge (2025-)

• 2 x Volvo Penta IPS650
• Bow thruster
• Hot/cold transom shower
• Fixed swim platform
• 400 watt solar panels
• Hot water system
• Electric sun roof
• 2 electric toilets
• Aft salon window access to galley
• Port and starboard electric side windows
• Volvo Interceptor auto trim

• DPS & Assisted Docking
• Third cabin bunkbed/Office/Utility room
• Hydraulic swim platform
• Custom Garmin glass nav station
• Lithium ion battery pack for auxiliary power
• Stern thruster
• Quick MC2 gyro
• 4 Quick warping winches
• Fischer Panda 10.9kW diesel generator
• Electric Bimini for bridge deck
• Watermaker
• Aft deck wetbar w/water, sink, grill
• Washing machine in starboard cabin closet
• Aft deck electric gangway
• Galley dish washer
• Ice maker

Bow

With complete walk-around, getting fore and aft is safe and easy aboard the Nimbus 495 Flybridge. The exciting amenities start on the bow.

Salon

With an interior layout on the main deck specifically designed for ease of movement and possessing several seating and gathering spaces, as well as a forward starboard helm station, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge will supply all that is necessary to fulfill its prime directive for travel in style and comfort.

Aft Deck

Another of the many entertaining/gathering spaces aboard is found here, on the aft deck.

Bridge Deck

Serving as both gathering space as well as an upper helm station, the bridge deck is the place to be when day cruising during pleasant weather conditions or enjoying a sunset while on the hook.

Living Accommodations

Two staterooms, two heads, with an option to take a third room as an over/under w/bunkbeds or choose to use it as a utility room or an office space, provides the owners and their guests with spacious staterooms along with enough storage areas for extended times away. The extra space allotted throughout is courtesy of the twin Volvo Penta IPS pods, and other equipment, located fully aft.

Transom

While a fixed swim platform is standard, the optional, hydraulically operated unit allows for safe and smooth operations to both launch and retrieve a PWC or other like water toys.  In addition, it also provides easy in and out of the water for swimmers, snorkelers, or even divers.

Equipped with a pair of Volvo Penta D6 diesel inboards running IPS650’s means responsive and reliable power is at your fingertips. And with the optional DPS and Assisted Docking, close and tight quarters maneuvering is always there to deal with the prevailing conditions.

Our particular test day took place in Seattle, Washington, running in a fresh water lake with Mt. Rainier in the distance, with the air temperature at 71°F and a relative humidity of 65%. The wind was approximated at between 5-10 mph and the sea state was calm. We had 230 gallons of fuel and 80 gallons of water in their respective tanks, light equipment, and four people on board. Our tested weight was estimated to be at 34,850 lbs.

Utilizing Volvo Penta’s DPS and Assisted Docking system allowed us to utilize four different driving modes, the first of which was the joystick drive control. Sliding it forward to increase rpm, enabled us to move ahead with turns to either port or starboard by simply twisting the knob. Response was immediate. Once we reached our desired rpm and speed, letting go of the knob kept us at that rate. When turning, and the joystick is tilted in the desired location and when let go, the boat returns to its original track. However, when we twist the joystick to a desired degree heading, it will maintain that direction. All this done without touching the steering wheel. In addition, everything done at the lower helm can be repeated topsides on the bridge deck. Of course, steering and throttle control can be in hand should one choose the more traditional method.

We noted how the Nimbus 495 Flybridge, on hard over maneuvers, did not bank or heel to the side of the turn. That’s because of the positioning of the IPS pods being situated straight up and down instead of angled. She handled all our operations with assurance and control and topped out at 29.8mph/34.3kts at 3750 rpm. At that rate, we calculated a 262.4 nm range with a 10% fuel reserve. We found our best cruise at 2750 rpm, noted a 19.7 mph/17.2 kts rate of speed, and a 314.3 nm range, also with a 10% fuel reserve. The view from both helm stations was excellent.

For those who have had past trouble with docking in tight or close quarters situations, the aforementioned DPS and Assisted Docking system will take the pucker factor out of these maneuvers. The learning curve is short with this precise technology, and with a few lessons to familiarize with how it works under various situations, including current and wind, expert handling is well within reach.

The Nimbus 495 Flybridge has been designed and engineered for the hands-on, owner operator. She easily fulfills the need for a 50-foot, long range cruising yacht quite capable of supplying travelers whether plying coastal waters, spending extended weekends away, planning a Great Loop, or island hopping wherever. Her practical styling, with spacious bridge deck, roomy salon, and comfortable living accommodations, is sensibly Scandinavian with a wide open feel inside and modern exterior touches.

With a pair of spacious staterooms, including an option to select a third with over/under bunk/beds, or having it configured as a utility room or office, more than ample storage space is provided for traveling. And with comprehensive lists of both standard and optional equipment, along with owner input on décor, the Nimbus 495 Flybridge can be a reflection of her owner’s needs and a personal statement of ownership.

One of the more outstanding features is her advanced electronics and twin Volvo Penta IPS D6 power, joystick control, and sophisticated DPS and Assisted Docking system, making the Nimbus 495 Flybridge a serious cruising yacht in the 50-foot sector.

Remember, life is better on a boat!

Overview

Captain Fit introduced this as a first look at "Nimbus' brand new flagship, the 495 Flybridge," stating: "This boat represents a big step forward for the brand, blending Nordic design with true long-range cruising ability." He noted the review would cover layout, performance, and handling, and addressed the owner-operator framing directly: "While 'owner-operator' is a phrase that gets used a lot, Nimbus has built in some very specific features that really validate that claim, making the 495 accessible and manageable for boaters who wanna run their own yacht."

Specifications (Test Boat)

• Length overall: 49 feet, 7 inches
• Beam: 14 feet, 9 inches
• Draft: 3 feet, 9 inches
• Test weight: 34,850 pounds, with 55% of the 449-gallon fuel capacity aboard and four passengers
• Engines: twin Volvo Penta IPS 650

Test Conditions

• Wind: approximately 5 knots
• Sea state: nearly flat
• Temperature: 71°F
• Humidity: 65%

Joystick / Dock Assist System

Captain Fit demonstrated the Volvo Penta DPS (Dynamic Positioning System) and Dock Assist function, describing four available joystick modes and activating "joystick driving mode" specifically.

Forward/speed control: "If I nudge the joystick forward, now the boat is shifted into forward. I can steer it completely with this joystick, and I can throttle all the way up to full speed." He noted the system holds RPM/speed automatically once released: "As soon as I let off the joystick, it's gonna hold that RPM and hold that speed."

Turning modes: Tilting the joystick steers the boat directly (returning to straight, autopilot-like, when released); twisting the joystick instead sets and holds a compass heading — demonstrated by dialing to 110 degrees and releasing, with the boat correcting to and holding that heading automatically.

Flybridge use: Captain Fit repeated this joystick operation from the flybridge, noting the experience there: "Everything is so quiet and peaceful. It was like I wasn't even driving a boat... it's almost too easy, but you know, you should always be prudent, be watching out to watch your surrounding, but it just makes handling the boat so easy."

Open Helm / Ventilation During Test

At time of testing, the port side window was down, the large starboard door was open, and the back glass was fully open — Captain Fit noted this let in significant fresh air without excessive noise, and provided roughly 360 degrees of clear visibility.

Windshield design: Raked-back windshields, noted to reduce glare at night and shed more rain for improved visibility. The boat is fitted with six windshield wipers total — four on the main forward glass and two on the side glasses — controlled via paddles beneath the steering wheel.

Helm Equipment (Lower Station)

• Steering wheel with controls integrated into the center hub for frequently used functions
• Twin 16-inch Garmin MFDs, controlling most onboard systems
• Additional tactile buttons for nav lights, bilge pump, washdown pumps, and sunroof closure
• VHF radio, positioned within easy reach

Traditional Helm Handling (Wheel/Throttle Mode)

Captain Fit switched to traditional helm operation for further evaluation: "The Volvos pick the boat up pretty well. You can hear the turbos spooling up, and as you're coming up to speed, the bow doesn't come up. The boat just rises level, and it's very comfortable."

Turning behavior: "Coming into a hard turn, the boat doesn't bank and heel." He attributed this to the pod drive orientation: "That's partly due because of the pods — the way that they're in the hull, they're actually vertical, versus [how] boats normally... are designed, the pods are kind of at an angle under the hull, and that's gonna lead to more heel and also a slightly less efficient propulsion if you're... moving left and right when you're docking or something like that. So it's really a better position for those pods to be in when they're vertical. That's just one of the things that Nimbus thought about when they designed this boat... and I think that was a smart move by them."

Performance Numbers

Engines: twin Volvo Penta IPS 650

• Top speed: 34.3 mph at 3,750 RPM
• Best cruise: 19.7 mph at 2,750 RPM, burning 24.5 gallons per hour, achieving 0.8 miles per gallon — noted by Captain Fit as good fuel economy "for a 49-foot cruiser"
• Range at best cruise: 361 statute miles, with a 10% fuel reserve
• Hole shot 0–10 knots: 4.8 seconds
• 0–20 knots: 11.1 seconds

Side Access Door (Helm-Adjacent)

Captain Fit named this among his favorite features: "It's very large, easy to come in and out of, provides a lot of ventilation, but even more importantly, it's positioned right at the helm, so you could communicate with anyone if you have assistance while you're docking — or if you're even docking solo, you can utilize this side boarding door. I can use the joystick, get right to the dock, and the boat will stay put, and I can grab my lines casually, step aboard, wrap up those cleats, and just look like an absolute professional." He credited Nimbus's engineering effort specifically: "Nimbus took some time, studied the engineering on it, [made] this more convenient and tucked away. It's not taking up as much of your walkway on either side."

Side Deck Layout

Nimbus widened the starboard walkway to maximize interior space, at the cost of a narrower port walkway. A grab rail runs nearly the full length of the cabin top on the port side to compensate, providing secure footing while moving fore and aft.

Bow

Sun pad: approximately 6 feet by 6 feet, with a tilt-up backrest offering multiple positions — described by Captain Fit as "easy up, easy down."

Additional bow features: Grab rails on both sides, two pop-up puck cup holder/lights for ambience, small lockers under the foot area (suited to lines or small fenders), and a table receptacle for setting up dining or drinks at anchor.

Anchor System

The anchor locker was noted as deeper than Captain Fit expected. The boat uses an all-chain rode; approximately 125 feet was deployed at time of filming. A chain counter is fitted, which Captain Fit noted eases single-handed or short-crewed anchoring.

Additional bow hardware: Cleats and rollers, with an optional electric capstan winch available on either side to assist tightening dock lines. Nimbus also fits a bow entry/exit point standard across their line, with an attachable bow boarding ladder for docking at rocks, docks, or beaches depending on regional practice.

Flybridge Access

The narrower port walkway remains fully usable, aided by the grab rail along the cabin top and additional railing.

Flybridge

Seating capacity: Captain Fit estimated the space could comfortably hold eight people — five at the table, one or two on the sun lounge, and two in the captain's chairs.

Weather protection: A bimini can be deployed; Captain Fit noted the sturdy framework creates "a surprisingly rigid structure once secured" that adds both strength and stability.

Handling from the flybridge: "Running this boat from the flybridge on a day like today is nothing short of a wonderful experience... you're just very comfortable up here, and it's not very loud. Everything's quiet."

Flybridge equipment: Balanced stern thruster controls, throttles, steering wheel, two 60-inch (likely intended as 16-inch, per lower helm reference — reviewer stated "60 inch") Garmin MFDs, VHF radio controls, and a small Volvo Penta screen. Captain Fit noted good all-around visibility from his seated position, including sight of the bow rail, with a bolster available to raise younger/shorter operators (e.g., children) to see comfortably while driving.

Swim Platform (Stern)

Captain Fit's assessment: "You can instantly notice that there's quite a bit of space back here on the swim platform."

• Depth: nearly 5 feet
• Width: spans the full width of the boat

The platform hydraulically lowers into the water via remote control, with side steps that automatically deploy. Captain Fit noted this as an easy way to deploy a tender or PWC directly into the water.

Structural note: Large brackets and hardware support the platform; the boat is also equipped with a stern thruster. Captain Fit noted an added benefit of the platform in the down position: it acts as a stabilizer in the water, helping keep the boat level — particularly useful if the gyro stabilizer is not engaged.

Transom Features

• Starboard compartment: Pull-out food prep surface with a drain feeding directly into a sink below; an electric Kenyon grill is housed beneath
• Port compartment: Storage for fenders, dock lines, and large swim toys, plus a shore power receptacle and push-button controls for the swim platform (providing a manual backup if the remote is unavailable)
• Step storage: Additional storage under a step, accessing space technically located above the bilge — fitted with a robust bag on a stainless steel frame specifically to keep dock lines organized and out of the bilge
• Side shower: Hot and cold fresh water

Aft Deck

A boarding door secures in place for safety. A hatch conceals a cleat and fairlead for tidy line management, closing for a clean appearance once docked. Forward of this is a fuel fill and waste receptacle, mirrored on the opposite side.

Aft Deck Seating (Under Hardtop)

Comfortable seating for four to five adults. The table has folding leaves to double its size, with a cutout center section (removable via suction cup) providing storage access. The table is also mounted on a high-low pedestal — lowering it and adding cushions converts the area into one large lounge.

Hardtop — Retractable Rear Window

Captain Fit noted visible hardtop supports prompted him to investigate further, discovering a retractable window feature: "This boat has a pretty unique trick under its sleeve... there is a large window that tucks away under the hardtop, and by simply pressing the button, it will lower down into place." Combined with isinglass/eisenglass panels running along tracks at the base of the hardtop, this can seal and partially condition the aft deck space; pull-down blinds are also available for sun control.

Captain Fit's stated personal preference: "I would probably run this in the up position pretty much all the time, unless I had guests back here who needed to be protected... I wouldn't want a lot of salt spray and stuff getting on the backside of this when I could just keep it in the up position, keep it clean, so when I deploy it, it's always gonna be clean."

Engine Room Access

Located just under the aft deck, with two access methods: a smaller hatch for daily checks/small tasks providing unimpeded access, or raising the entire deck section via push button for major work. In addition to the Volvo engines, this space houses the generator, access to electrical components, and a hot water heater. Captain Fit's assessment: "It may be a small engine compartment, but things are well laid out so that you can access it and know what you're doing."

Interior Connection (Aft Deck to Salon)

With the aft deck sealed off, a door can be opened and the rear hardtop window lowered via push button to connect the two spaces — Captain Fit compared this to an open floor plan in a house, keeping larger groups together rather than split between spaces.

Galley (Split Layout)

Starboard/aft section:

• Four drawers with soft-close slides under the countertop
• Isotherm refrigerator, plus a pull-out drawer on the opposite side (optionable with a dishwasher)
• Overhead cabinet with cutlery storage, embossed with the Nimbus logo — noted by Captain Fit as a fitting spot for an espresso machine

"Mechanical cabinet" (adjacent):

• Volvo Penta control screen — described as the main control for the entire boat, covering windows, lights, and air conditioning
• Controls for the Quick gyro stabilizer and Panda (Fischer Panda) generator
• A dedicated shutoff button that powers everything off when leaving the boat, to prevent an inadvertent battery drain

Port/main galley section:

• Overhead storage
• Molded-in fiddle rails on the countertop
• Stainless steel sink with a small secondary basin
• Top-loading freezer (confirmed functional, with ice present at time of filming)
• Induction cooktop, with a convection oven beneath — the oven vent screen is embossed with the Nimbus logo
• Additional countertop with a small step up
• Cabinet stocked with custom Nimbus cutlery

Mechanical access (cabin sole): A push-button lid under the cabin sole provides access to the Quick gyro and electrical components, including neatly organized batteries.

Salon

Two small steps lead up from the galley area.

Starboard side (under the couch): An additional small drink refrigerator. The couch includes a pull-out ottoman for extra seating at the table, with a subwoofer tucked beneath. A flat ceiling-mounted TV pops up on an electric lift.

Headroom note: Headroom decreases moving to the port side, which Captain Fit attributed to the flybridge design above: "Nimbus was trying to keep the profile of this boat low, and there's some sacrifices they had to make, and that was one of them. But I don't look at that as a total negative, because you're not really using the headroom here — you're gonna be seated at the salon table." He estimated seating for six to seven at the table without much difficulty.

Salon table: Flip-out leaves combine with a lever-actuated 90-degree rotating/locking mechanism, expanding to a larger dining configuration with all four leaves deployed.

Visibility: Captain Fit praised the lack of obstructing bulkheads or supports: "When you're sitting here, you're still totally connected with the nature that is around you."

Companion Lounge (Opposite Helm)

Reached via two steps up. Seats two comfortably; can face forward to assist with navigation, with a small countertop and underneath storage (suited to charts or a tablet), plus a small map light for traditional paper charts. Two AC vents and a handle are also present, with a possible foot brace noted. Captain Fit's stated preference for long stretches at the helm: passengers can lounge facing him here while remaining part of the conversation, aided by the cabin's quiet ride.

Overhead skylight: The largest skylight opens fully via push button for additional light/air, with blinds available to close it off.

Companionway (to Lower Cabins)

Captain Fit specifically noted the quality of the descent: "They have a good handrail here — this is very substantial. But even more importantly, something that I think often gets overlooked or just not done quite well enough: there's two rubber strips on each step, and it really gives a lot of grip underfoot."

VIP Cabin (Forward)

Described as having ample headroom and visual space. Recessed lighting in the headboard is used throughout the boat for a clean look. Countertop edges are covered with a vinyl-type fabric to prevent sliding items.

Features: Hull-side windows, closets on either side, an overhead cabinet, and two large under-bed drawers providing significant luggage/storage capacity. Access is also provided here to the AC chiller unit and the bow thruster.

Third Cabin (Configurable — Twin Bunks or Home Office)

As configured on this boat: two bunks, suited to kids or extra guests. Alternatively optionable as a home-office-style layout. Two closets provide storage, and a washer/dryer combo can be optioned into the base of one closet.

Day Head (Shared — VIP and Starboard Cabin)

Described as fairly spacious, with stainless steel corner trim, a small overhead vanity mirror with storage behind and beneath, an electric flushing toilet, and a rain shower with matching-material drain design. A small glazed window adds privacy while allowing natural light, and a handheld wand is included.

Master Suite

Full-beam and fairly spacious, though Captain Fit noted headroom variation throughout due to accommodating the cabin structure above: "Nimbus was trying to accommodate [that] with the cabin above. But you do have headroom where you need it." The berth is generously sized for two, with ample clearance to sit up comfortably.

Starboard side: A large lounge, which Captain Fit noted could double as a berth (e.g., for kids) given its size, though he'd personally use it as a reading spot.

Port side (as optioned on this specific boat): The owner chose extra storage instead of the lounge — two additional drawers beneath the countertop and a single seat facing the berth (the matching lounge configuration is available as an alternative option). Additional cabinetry, a cubby, and side tables with underneath storage are mirrored on both sides.

Closet storage: Ample hanging space and shelving, with a safe located just beneath. A smaller mirrored storage unit sits across from the port side — Captain Fit noted this reflects Nimbus's overall storage-focused design approach for long-term cruising.

Master Head (Private, Off the Entryway)

Described by Captain Fit as feeling "refined and thoughtfully designed" despite being slightly more compact than the day head — still offering ample headroom and a clean, open layout, with a spacious shower featuring both a rain head and a handheld wand. He summarized this as reflecting "Nimbus's focus on comfort and practicality in everyday use."

Docking Demonstration (Dynamic Positioning / Assisted Docking)

Conducted at end of day, in fading light. Captain Fit engaged joystick docking mode, describing the process step by step: pivoting and drifting into position, confirming parallel alignment with the dock, then using single joystick clicks to move the boat 30 centimeters at a time toward the dock. Once close, he engaged the thrusters to hold the boat against the dock: "We're sneaking right up onto our fenders. Perfect."

Closing Assessment

"After spending the day on the new Nimbus 495, I really appreciate having a boat that's so easy to dock, especially if you're solo."