When most people picture a Nimbus, they probably think of something like the 305 Coupé. Nimbus's range has expanded in the last few years, mainly to keep up with the likes of Axopar, but the 305 Coupé is a core Nimbus product. A high quality cruiser that you can comfortably use all year round.
On board, the main deck has a well-protected cockpit that can be fully enclosed thanks to canopy covers and there's a compact galley opposite a clever internal dinette. Below, there are two cabins with an owner's double forward and space for a couple of guests amidships. Both cabins share a decent bathroom. It's available with a single diesel engine on a shaft or there's an all-electric version, primed for inland use. With a starting price of around £250,000 ex VAt it's a tempting package, let's look at the details.
Nimbus 305 Coupé Key Facts
- LOA 10.07m
- Model Year 2014
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 25 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Coupe
- Use Type Weekending
Review Video
Launched in 2014 and designed by Joacim Gustavsson, Nimbus's chief designer, the 305 Coupé is the core Nimbus product. They've expanded their range quite a lot recently, but this is what they're known for. Built at the Nimbus yard in Mariestad, Sweden, it follows the 405 and 365 Coupé but is meant as an entry-level option with Nimbus's original deck design - the "Sidewalk" concept.
The Sidewalk design has, instead of the usual symmetrical decks, gone for an asymmetrical layout, pushing the cabin over to port to create an extra-wide starboard side deck. Moving from bow to stern feels safer and easier when docking or stepping ashore along the starboard side and maximises the interior space.
Another unique feature, though, is the hull. Unlike most boats in this size range, the 305 Coupé is built specifically for smaller engines, with a design optimised for cruising speeds between 4 and 22 knots. There’s no planing threshold to deal with as its hydrodynamic shape keeps things smooth across the entire speed range.
Power comes from a choice of Volvo Penta’s D3 110hp, D3 150hp, or D3 220hp, and an electric option. There’s a Torqeedo Deep Blue i option with BMW batteries for zero-emission cruising.
Construction is solid, with a vacuum-infused laminate and Divinycell core, keeping the boat lightweight and durable. Inside, the focus is on quality, space, and plenty of natural light.
As for accommodation, you get two cabins - an owner’s cabin (available with either a queen bed or V-berth) and a guest cabin, both sharing a single head with a shower. The interior is finished in varnished mahogany, paired with beige or blue upholstery. There’s not a huge amount of scope for customisation, but whether that’s a drawback or a bonus depends on how you like your boats - turnkey and ready to go, or tailored to the last detail.
It’s very cosy in the saloon. It doesn’t try to be overly modern, and it's not supposed to be - this is core Nimbus territory. The dinette table folds out to create a nice social space, with a small but well-equipped galley opposite. There’s a sink tucked under the counter, an induction hob, and while ventilation isn’t huge, there’s extraction behind and a door right next to it, so cooking shouldn’t be an issue.
There’s no outdoor cooking, but inside, you’ve got an oven, a fridge drawer down below, and another fridge tucked under the helm seat. Neither are massive, but for a boat like this where it’s likely to be two people onboard most of the time, it’s enough.
Forward is a two-way bench. It can be set up to face the dinette, but it also cantilevers forward to become a navigator’s seat, which is a smart bit of design. Overhead, those panels provide ventilation and light, and there’s a manual sliding window on the side for a bit of extra airflow.
Nimbus has also put in some practical little details, like wallets for storing paper charts - not something many people use these days, but handy for stashing other bits and bobs. As for the TV, it’s there if you want it, though it does feel like a bit of an afterthought - it's quite small, slightly awkwardly placed, but still an option if you fancy a night in.
Owner's Cabin
Up front is the owner’s cabin. There’s a good-sized bed, but space at the foot of it is a bit tight. You can just about stand and get changed here comfortably, but it’s a one-person-at-a-time area when you're not in bed. Storage is limited - a few shelves on one side, a bit more tucked behind the door, but no real hanging space. You do get a flat surface with fiddles, though.
Amidships, you’ll find the guest cabin, which stretches out underneath the saloon. Headroom is restricted but there’s some storage below, a porthole for a bit of ventilation, and a small lobby area where you can stand. Once you move into the sleeping space itself, it’s a crawl-in job rather than full standing room. There are a few drawers and some hooks for bulkier clothing, but it’s an occasional cabin - best for kids - but probably not one adults would want to use regularly.
In the shared bathroom, headroom is 6ft (1.8m) which is just enough to for most people to stand, but it’s on the snug side. The separate shower cubicle is a good thing to have, though it still feels a little tight. The finish is smart, with Corian countertops, a stainless sink, and wooden grating on the floor, which looks and feels nice, and helps keep the space feeling a bit more premium.
Crucially, the shower is properly enclosed, so you’re not soaking the entire bathroom every time you use it. Given the layout, this is very much a boat set up for a couple on board most of the time, with the extra accommodation working best for occasional guests.
It’s a single helm station with a fully adjustable seat, designed for sitting rather than standing. No worries, though, the seat is comfortable and adjustable, so you’ll find a good driving position. There’s also a step and footrest for added support. The dash is uncluttered and tidy, with anti-glare materials and nice, large switchgear - everything is simple and intuitive.
Originally, the 305 has three Volvo Penta D3 engine options but since Volvo ended production of the D3, the D4 270hp has become the most popular option. It's a good motor with plenty of torque and it's a bit quieter than the 5-cylinder D3, so less tiresome on longer cruises.
There’s also a fully electric option, which makes sense for inland cruising for places like Swiss lakes, where combustion engines are now restricted. That option will let you cruise at around 5-6 knots, though it’s not geared for offshore use.
There are some classic Nimbus hallmarks on the swim platform. The fender baskets are a great example - they keep everything neatly arranged, and the fenders look smart, too. There's a fair bit of storage, with easy access to the shore power cable, and then you step into a well-protected cockpit that can be fully enclosed with covers, creating extra living space separate from the saloon.
It’s all quite traditional, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. From the colour and texture of the upholstery to the beautifully finished teak table with the Nimbus logo, it’s all got a classic feel. When you close the table, there are handrails - no cup holders, unfortunately, but there are fiddles for keeping small items secure.
The engine room hatch is located in the deck and there’s more storage space under the adjacent hatch, with a deep void for stashing gear on deck. The cockpit sides are nice and high, with a boarding gate as well - very useful if you’ve got kids onboard.
Side Decks & Foredeck
You’ll also notice the slim deck space down the port side, because this boat has asymmetric decks - a much larger walkway to starboard makes moving forward far, far easier. It’s a bit of a step up, but with the side door at the helm, you’ll likely moor starboard-side-to to make the most of it. A boarding gate on this side would have been better for easier access to the pontoon, but as it stands, it still provides really good access forward.
The foredeck is quite simple with space for sunbathing - but it’s the small details that stand out. The built-in cup holders on the rails are nice, something you expect from Nimbus, and this boat is no exception.
Storage for the paddleboards and water toys is situated here, with optional roof racks that sit over the glass sunroof. Also on the roof is a set of solar panels, which help top up the batteries and reduce reliance on the generator. On a boat this size, where there aren’t too many power-hungry systems running, that extra bit of solar energy goes a long way.
The engine room is accessed via a deck hatch in the cockpit. On the Coupé range, Nimbus mounts the engines inside insulated engine boxes, great for subduing engine noise but not great for service access. The box can be dismantled for in-depth maintenance, but that's a time-consuming task, and it could be especially fiddly if you're having to tackle an issue out at sea.
The quality of engineering is very good, though, and compartmentalising the engine does mean there's useful storage space in this area.
Nimbus is a premium brand in the sector, so you can expect to pay more than you would from the German, French and Polish high volume builders. The base price for a 305 Coupé with the D4 270hp engine is £240,878 ex VAT (correct at time of writing). You'll pay around £40,000 more for the all-electric Torqeedo version.
Quality aside, Nimbus is also quite generous with its standard specification, so you get quite a lot for your 250k base, such as: 9in Simrad MFD, bow thruster, Eberspächer heating and Humphree trim control.
Some cost options to consider include: aft deck canopy (£1,970), gas oven (£894), cockpit fridge (£1,449), teak bathing platform (£1,963)/cockpit (£3,189), anchor winch (£4,547), stern thruster (£2,836) and an upgrade to either the 12in (£1,032) or 16in (£2,502) MFD.
Our Verdict
The 305 Coupé is a solid all-rounder - as long as you want single-level living. It's a manageable, dependable cruiser that should be easy for a couple of people - or even a solo skipper - to manage. The accommodation is a little cramped for longer stays with four adults on board and there are question marks over the engine room access but there's plenty to like about the plucky little Nordic cruiser.
Reasons to Buy
- Enclosable cockpit
- Safe & secure design
- Solar panels & electric option
- Build quality
- Easy to handle
Things to Consider
- Cramped lower deck
- Traditional design
- Performance is lacking
Looking to own a Nimbus 305 Coupé? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Nimbus 305 Coupé Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Nimbus 305 Coupé, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
The Carver Yachts C34 Coupé is all about performance, cruising comfortably at 24 knots and topping out at 35 knots. That puts it well ahead of the Nimbus 305 Coupé when it comes to speed, making it the pick for those who like a bit of punch on the water. While the Nimbus 305 leans into stability and comfort, the Carver is for those who enjoy the feeling of wind in their hair. That said, the standard one-cabin layout might not be ideal for those after more flexible accommodation. A standout feature is its plumb bow hull design, giving it a distinctive look, while the expansive panoramic windows flood the interior with natural light and uninterrupted views.
The Greenline 33 takes a different approach. With a cruising speed of just 10 knots, it’s not about getting there first - it’s about enjoying the journey. Like the Nimbus 305 Coupé, it prioritises comfort over outright speed, making it a strong choice for relaxed, leisurely cruising. The shallow draft is a useful touch, giving it access to spots that deeper-drafted boats might struggle with, adding an adventurous edge. However, with simpler accommodation, it may not be the best option for longer overnight stays. Where it really shines is efficiency and sustainability - its hybrid propulsion system allows for quiet electric cruising, cutting fuel consumption and appealing to boaters with an eco-conscious mindset.
The Jeanneau Leader 33 is all about range. Keep the revs low, and it can cover 566 nautical mile, making it ideal for those who love long-haul cruising. With a cruising speed of 25 knots, it strikes a solid balance between performance and efficiency, leaving the Nimbus 305 Coupé trailing slightly in terms of pace. If you’re looking to go further without frequent refuelling stops, the Jeanneau 33 has the edge. The trade-off? It doesn’t match the Nimbus’s flexible accommodation layout. Designed by Michael Peters, its sleek lines and well-planned interior offers a nice style, making it a strong contender for those wanting performance with a premium touch.
Finally, the Nord Star 28+ brings a more rugged, Scandinavian approach to the options. More compact than the Nimbus 305 Coupé, it features a two-cabin setup - ideal for day boaters who occasionally need to overnight on board. It might not offer the same guest capacity, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in build quality and durability. Crafted in Finland, the Nord Star 28+ is built to handle tougher conditions, with a solid, no-nonsense hull that delivers confidence on open water. For those who prefer a tough, practical cruiser over something more expansive and adaptable, this is a strong alternative.
Considering a new boat? Explore Nimbus' entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Nimbus
- Range Coupé Cruisers
- Model 305 Coupé
- Length Overall 10.07m
- Beam 3.25m
- Draft 0.9m
- Hull Composite
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Coupe
- Use Type (Primary) Weekending
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 250 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity 150 Litres
- Engine Model 1x Volvo Penta D4-270
Nimbus 305 Coupé Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Nimbus 305 Coupé]()
The asymmetric decks give you a wide starboard walkway
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Lower Deck
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Standard lower deck layout
![Lower Deck Nimbus 305 Coupé]()
As standard, there is a V-berth forward
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Optional forward double berth
![Lower Deck Nimbus 305 Coupé]()
As an option, you can spec an angled double
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