My views of a Nimble 24. the easy part is...quality.

Posted By: norm nimble new orleans
Date: 11/2/06 10:45a.m.

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Well built with many expensive touches that can't be touched today except in an expensive semi custom boat (which a Nimble is). I can't believe one is for sale at $8500. That's like Tom Ps Weekender when it sold for $10K. It is beautiful inside and out. It is a good family boat because it is very safe, very stable, unsinkable, and with a deep cockpit for kids. It is good in heavy winds with reefing or sail use as necessary, and sails flat, which my wife LOVES. Last night we talked about a smaller boat and I mentioned that it will probably be tippy. That got me a look. Now the other stuff. Without a tabernacle it will be hard to rig/unrig. Mine has always been in a slip so I don't face that problem. It is slow. It doesn't point well. It is hard to tack in light winds and you may have to backwind the jib. Or, if you have a lot of light winds, like in the summer, get a genoa or asymetrical. Because of the flat bottom and box keel it also doesn't like to turn even under power. It is like the displacement full keel boats where you have to power against the rudder to get them twisting. There is a little bit of prop walk, and once reversing it steers fine while backing. It is admitted that the rudder was designed for looks and there is a modification to create a more balanced rudder that works better. There are enough of the boats that the big sail makers have the measurements for new sails. The man that built most of the wooden parts for the boats is still accessible and does nice work. I got a new tiller from him several years ago. Living with a motor in a well takes a little adapting. The motor won't run with the wooden cover in place unless it is windy to keep the exhaust fumes moving. Some owners have build fan or exhaust systems. Rigging the mizzen takes a little experience but there are enough photos here and of sprit rigs on the main board tht you should be able to figure it out. The boat can work as a beautiful day sailer, safe if the weather goes bad, or is hardy enough to do the Loop, if the driver is up to it. I single hand it frequently and have not run things back to the cockpit. It has heaved to very well for me. That's all the Cliff Notes I can think of for now. Anyone else want to jump in?