Nimbus 370 Commander

[Hacker]

Went to look at one of these today. Windlass motor was covered in flaking rust; stern engine mounts were quite rusty; engine (Yanmarr 4lh) were quite grubby and hasn’t been loved. Side decks were a tad narrow for my other half. However overall loved the overall look and feel.

There didn’t appear to be a holding tank. For those of you that have owned one of these where was it situated?

 

[Seastoke]

Nice craft not sure about Yanmars

 

[SimonD]

Assuming it's the one in Mylor, I think your assessment of the engines is pretty generous. They look awful! Although that's not too difficult to address it may be a sign of engineering neglect (supported by the condition of the other items you mention). I'm no expert, but I suspect this is an early boat - later ones have Volvo engines. You may or may not think this is a benefit. I'd certainly find the Yanmars (as fitted to my 2003 320) much more attractive. All that said, the price seems pretty competitive. With a good survey and consideration of the service history and work required to bring her up to spec reflected in your offer, you could have a great boat at a good price

Can't help with the holding tank but, being Swedish, I'd be surprised if it didn't have one.

 

[volvopaul]

Been mulling a nimbus over for a while for Thames use , the 370 seems a quirky layout , I'm put off by the Yanmars and V drive set up , a big job to change the Volvo type shaft seal , most are always rusty in the engine bay I'd guess the hatches let water in . Back to looking for a Princess .

 

[Hacker]

@SimonD yes it is that one and I was being a bit generous! Spoken to a Yanmar specialist this morning so have some idea of the possible options/cost. Email to southern powerboats has elicited the info that there is a space below the helm accessed via the mid berth that was designated for holding tanks.

@volvopaul I’ve looked at a few online and thought the layout was weird. Having been on her I’ve changed my mind. Lots of options about how to move around the boat and she ticks all our boxes (although I didn’t really want a flybridge, I’ve convinced myself that it’s really an upper steering position!). Don’t have any practical experience of v-drives, one advantage is that you can easily get to the belts for daily checks but accept the potential around accessing the shaft seals. One of the lack of maintenance issues is that the hatch seals have been allowed to deteriorate.

 

[Moonbeam]

Have you tried the V berth beds?

We looked at one a couple of years ago. I'm 6'2" and I could not lie straight out in the V berth. Probably fine if you are under 6 foot.

 

[Hacker]

Good job I’m 5ft 10!

 

[oldgit]

Always had 6 cylinder Volvo Penta engines in the past, never considered that any replacement boat in my price bracket could possibly be powered by anything else.
Two things were critical in choice of next boat, no fancy electronics, no superchargers or 16 valves and proper stairs to flybridge ie. not some stainless ankle snapping contraption even if it did have posh wooden bits on the treads.
That ruled out anything from my preferred first choice of boat a Flybridge Princess or Fairline of the era.
From a P360 to Princess 500 and everything inbetween all had the loft ladder from hell.
After a long a fruitless countrywide search a French "confection" came along which ticked all the boxes but powered by 230 HP Yanmars on "V" drives.
Bored stiff one wet Sunday went down to the Peoples Republic of Brighton to have quick look.
Came away pretty convinced it was the right boat , bright modern interior and two fridges, but those 4 cylinder Yanmar engines and "V" drives ???, Arranged a sea trial.
Not the best of days and bit lumpy, ideal conditions for a test.
Opened the old girl up and went to WOT, up straight up and off, unlike the Princess 35 which liked to think about things , especially when asked to change direction.
Could dectect no change regards vibration due to being powered 4 cylinder lumps compared to the 6 of the Volvo Pentas.
The big difference, the lack of engine noise inside the cabin and lower helm compared to the Princess due to the fact the Yanmars are outside in the lazerette and not right under your feet.
Whisper quiet on the Fly.
For the self maintainer all the alternators and belts are easy to see and get at (the impellers are not) with plenty of space in front and in between engines to get down to have a look. Generic filters available from your local factor and air filter that Yanmar say you can wash in soapy water.
My engines also have the the dipsticks handed as well.
Surveryers report commented that one of the Yanmar engine mounts was in desperate need of a good wire brushing and coat of Hammerite, it was of course the most difficult to get at.
Those seals are a concern .
Noticed a gap in our pontoons last week a Sedan 36 went missing, emergency lift out when one of its deep sea seals failed.
After two seasons use the Yanmars are more economical on fuel than the Volvos and the killer fact , the Yanmars do not announce they have started with an eruption of greasy oily smoke surrounding to engulf the pontoon or fill the lock chamber.
Just topped up the tank today 300 litres of fuel.
23 hours since previous top up late March.
7 litres of fuel per engine per hour.

 

[SimonD]

I looked at one a few years ago and very nearly went for it. As noted, the layout could be described as a "bit weird". Actually, I'm pretty sure it's unique in a boat of that size. It's a little bit country cottage and I mean that in a good way. A great long term cruising boat you could be really comfortable on. A couple of things I thought were downside: the cockpit is a bit small (partly offset by the flybridge. The cockpit doesn't seem to have been designed to have a cover. The one on the boat in Mylor looks good, but they can be tricky to make completely weatherproof. Finally, it struck me as a lot of boat with lots of bits to maintain and clean. It's a personal thing, but I found it a bit off putting.

The example in question looks (apart from the mechanicals) to be in good condition with some new kit including electronics. So, I would get a price for taking the engines out to give them a good clean, paint and check over and replacing the shaft seals and engine mounts at the same time. Add to the list a new windlass and fuel tank clean etc. and present the estimate to the broker. At the right price, this could be a cracking boat.

 

[Rgurney744]

Went to look at one of these today. Windlass motor was covered in flaking rust; stern engine mounts were quite rusty; engine (Yanmarr 4lh) were quite grubby and hasn’t been loved. Side decks were a tad narrow for my other half. However overall loved the overall look and feel.

There didn’t appear to be a holding tank. For those of you that have owned one of these where was it situated?

There isn’t one.

 

[DipperToo]

There isn’t one.

I am in the process of buying a 370 which does have a holding tank plus diverter direct to sea. Maybe an aftermarket fit?

 

[Rgurney744]

Apparently standard fit which buyer had to opt out of.

 

[Rgurney744]

Apparently standard fit which buyer had to opt out of.

Can you provide a layout of the installation?

 

[Hacker]

See my post #5

 

[Rgurney744]

Thanks. Was wondering about the plumbing and diverter valve location, although I think that would be in the heads locker under the sink.

 

[Hacker]

Suspect it depends on how you want to route everything. Not sure how the OEM install was done. You could do it without a diverter and send everything to the tank and the use the output seacock to either allow continual flow to sea or to use the tank and then open the seacock to dump at sea (or use a pump out)