Merry Fisher v Nimbus

boatmike

boatmike

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As previously posted I am looking to downsize. Merry Fisher 805 seems popular and would suit but I have been looking at Nimbus 28 boats and there are also a couple of Aquador boats on the market that have an attractive all around sheltered deck and centre doors that look attractive. The latter have sterndrive though rather than shaft. I am currently in the process of selling my Aquastar Oceanranger which has served us well but now bigger than we need. looking for a smaller boat that will be cheaper to keep in marinas but still capable of local overnight stays. Any thoughts?
 
I have no knowledge of the Merry Fisher so can offer no comparison but can respend in support of Nimbus. We had a 3003 for five years, it is a great boat, very solid and no-nonsense style and engineering, something I much valued. It is a tough boat. Very comfortable for a week on board. Good for coastal, estuary and river cruising, wholly recommended. Economical too if you go for the single diesel.
 
If it's between the 805 and the 28 with the canvas top, it would be hands down the Merry Fisher for me ( i used to have an 805). The Nimbus 280 with the hard top would make it a harder choice.
 
  • Nimbus was well built, hyped beyond justification (later years) and known for being smaller than other of same feet.
    • Rumour has it that during a crisis, before the company went bankrupt, employees were encouraged to come up with ideas to improve revenue in exchange for a "piece of the pie". Since then, Nimbus was as much sealant and self-tapping screws as its competitors. And one of the first to praise the reliability of modern engines as an explanation for only needing one engine in a boat - which just happened to make them cheaper to produce.
    • I'm not sure if it still like that, since they were reconstructed and are now in group with Paragon Yachts, Alukin, Bella, Flipper, Falcon, and Aquador.
  • Jeanneau Merry Fisher has been Beneteau's no-nonsense entry-level (sort of) brand. Now probably aiming higher with the larger models, inspired by other Beneteau models, e.g. Jeanneau's Prestige series.
    • A little less exclusive, a little cheaper build, a little less expensive materials. And in the "peche promenade" class.
Engine and driveline may set them apart as shaft, sterndrive and outboards are differently preferred by the brands.

To the important thing is that people have the boat that fulfils their desires and expectations - not the boat that they think others find most impressive.

Just like cars and most other things in life.

All IMO, of course - respecting that others may see things differently
 
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I'm very happy with my 2004 Merry Fisher 805. I have the Volvo Penta TAMD41P 200 hp. It's a bit slow, but safe in heavy sea. The only problem, when I bought it, was a bit of osmosis on the edges and the "skates" of the hull, but it involved only the clay that Jeanneau used to fill the corners. Easy to fix and not involving the fiberglass. The fiberglass itself may be thin in some areas, but it's solid (vacuum infusion process) and intelligently reinforced with the internal "secondary hull".
I added two beds on the deckhouse roof, closing it off with a camper awning. For a night it's is now possible to sleep in 6 people.
Plenty of room to store everything. Good and rational construction.
I use it for fishing during the year and for a cruise in Croatia every august. Great little boat! About the engine: the Volvo is heavier, than the Nanni, but it hasn't the timing belt to change and in the real world is a bit more powerful...
 
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I viewed the Seaward 25 and 29 at the boat show in 2005. I said to myself then, when the time comes to pack up sailing that would be my ideal boat.
Three days after selling my Westerly Storm In November 2021 I went to Cowes and bought a Seaward 25.
I now digress a bit.
I bought it down to Weymouth on a lovely January day only to have the plotter go pear shaped. I was advised that the battery in the antenna may be the problem. I had to remove the headlining in the wheelhouse to replace it. On the back of the panel it said for 2005 boat show. The documentation also shows that the Kimber's, who own Seaward were the first owners.
The 25 is strictly a two sleeper only, with excellent sea keeping qualities. Twin shafts give it manoeuvrability and they are not too heavy on fuel, 4/5 gallons an hour.
 
I have seen this Seaward 25 on internet. Very nice. It's similar to the Sciallino, that we have in Italy, classic boats that are nice forever...
 
Hacker said:
@boatmike We went to see this Aquastar 27 Aquastar 27 for sale in United Kingdom. Lovely boat in very good condition, most bits had been replaced/upgraded in the last couple of years. Just a bit too small for us but definitely worth a look
Click to expand...
Yes I saw that advertised Hacker and as I have had an oceanranger 33 it appealed but my wife is not very mobile and likes the idea of walking out of a rear door on to a pontoon....... Also its a heavy old boat as was my 33 and I am looking for greater economy. Looked at a Nimbus 280 yesterday and its OK but not really inspiring. Nowhere to sleep comfortably and the interior is a bit sparse. There is a 310 advertised that I will look at this week. In the mean time I have an offer on my Aquastar 33 subject to sea trials tomorrow so wish me luck!
 
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