The Nimbus C11, a Charming Weekender With Nordic Flair

We Canadians are justly proud of the 30,000 islands that lie along the eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay, a sea of stark granite outcrops, some large, some small, some bare rock, others with just a solitary spruce or perhaps a cluster of two or three, all seemingly floating in a dramatic, living Group of Seven seascape that stirs the soul.

But we’re not alone here, because Sweden also has around 30,000 islands on its east coast, which form the beautiful Stockholm archipelago. Spanning nearly 1,700 square kilometres, the archipelago is a dead ringer for Georgian Bay with its deep waters, summer cottages, and jaw-dropping views.

Given the similarities, is it any wonder that Swedish boat builder Nimbus has found such an enthusiastic audience in Canada with brilliant weekenders like its all-new C11?

Built for exploring the archipelago, the C11 could as easily have been designed for navigating Ontario’s Georgian Bay, Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake, or B.C.’s Desolation Sound. Not too big, not too small, built for big water yet able to negotiate narrow, shallow passages, it’s just right in every way, and that becomes apparent the moment you step aboard.

Nimbus has been building boats for a long time, and that heritage is apparent in the C11’s neat, smart, and highly functional design. There’s no playing around here, with a double-stepped hull and an unusually sharp bow entry that make short work of the choppy seas that sometimes well up when winds funnel between the islands. The twin steps in the hull bottom break surface tension to dramatically improve handling, allowing the C11 to nip about like a Sea-Doo rather than a 40-foot yacht.

It’s also a bit wider than you might expect, which translates into more interior space and greater lift for improved fuel efficiency and lower GHG emissions.

It’s clear the path ahead centres around fun as you board from the dock via the C11’s substantial stern swim platform. It’s big and open and just screams “Cannonball!” while providing ample space to prepare for fishing, diving, or other aquatic activities.

Stepping forward into the cockpit, delightful stainless steel transom doors to either side of a centrally mounted, forward-facing settee close off the space for added security. A folding teak table creates a terrific spot to enjoy meals al fresco while taking in the views.

One wonderful option that Nimbus provides on the C11 is the ability to add a second, compact helm station right in the cockpit, which is super convenient when fishing or bringing the boat back to the dock.

Straight ahead lies a spacious salon that affords a break from the midday sun while keeping you and your guests well protected and comfortable in almost any weather conditions. Oversized windows provide near 360-degree uninterrupted views, while the ability to open the back of the boat to the cockpit brings indoor and outdoor spaces together for maximum enjoyment.

A compact but efficient dinette with a folding table sits to the aft starboard end of the salon, with the galley located forward and below. Overhead moonroofs and sliding entry doors on each side of the cabin can be opened for fresh air while assuring no shortage of natural light. You may be sitting inside, but with the boat opened up, you sure don’t feel like it.

The helm occupies the forward end of the salon, its side doors providing considerable added convenience when docking. The captain and navigator enjoy individual bucket seats with fold-down arm rests, with shock-mitigating seat bases available as an optional upgrade. The helm console itself is simple and straightforward, with a large flush-mounted multifunction display providing a true glass dash experience.

Farther forward still, a wide passage leads to the belowdecks accommodations. Considering the C11 is designed as a weekender and not a full cruising yacht, the amount of space below is astounding. There’s the aforementioned full galley, which is visible from the salon, along with a spacious head with its own separate shower. Further, an inviting bow V-berth assures a good night’s rest while a surprisingly roomy midcabin suite sleeps two more—all with above-average head room.

But before settling in for the night, take time to enjoy the C11’s best bits up front in the bow. Follow the wide promenades on each side of the salon forward, where there is a supercomfy, double-wide lounge seat facing forward, complete with a facing table for a nightcap under the stars. If inclined, you can even sprawl out on the big adjacent sunpad for the best views of the constellations above.

Nimbus hit it out of the park with its C11, both in its native Sweden and in Canada as well. It’s fast, it’s fun to drive, it’s versatile enough to do a bit of everything well, and most importantly, it goes where the big yachts can’t, making it an ideal choice for exploring those hidden gems anywhere we find islands, sea, and sunsets.