Nimbus 42 (Albin) Information, Review, Specs

The Albin Nimbus 42 emerged from the design boards of Kaufman & Ladd in the early 1980s, entering production with Albin Marine in 1981 and continuing until 1985. Albin Marine, a Swedish builder, was known for producing a range of sailboats and powerboats. The collaboration with an American design firm like Kaufman & Ladd likely aimed to appeal to a broader international market, blending Swedish build quality with American design sensibilities. While the specific design philosophy for the Nimbus 42 isn't explicitly detailed, its classification as a "cruiser-racer" suggests an intention to balance speed and livability. The boat was offered with variations, notably a fin keel version (as described in the provided specifications) and a keel/centerboard option, allowing owners to choose a configuration best suited for their cruising grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Albin Nimbus 42, with its generous sail plan and robust build, exhibits solid sailing characteristics. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.7 indicates a moderate performance cruiser, capable of respectable speeds in varying wind conditions without being overly tender. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.43 highlights a significant ballast proportion, contributing to her excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze. Furthermore, with a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 261, she falls into the moderate-heavy displacement category, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway, rather than a light, skittish ride. Anecdotal reports consistently praise the Albin Nimbus 42 for sailing very well and being easily managed by a couple, reinforcing its appeal as a capable and comfortable offshore vessel. Owners generally describe her as a "solidly built" boat that performs admirably.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific dimensions for interior spaces, beyond max_headroom_ft which is not provided, are limited in available structured data, the Albin Nimbus 42 is known for its practical and comfortable interior layout. Reviews and owner discussions indicate a design that maximizes space, surprisingly incorporating an aft cabin for a live-aboard family, suggesting a thoughtful use of the boat's volume. A distinctive feature often noted is the chart table, which is positioned at the aft end of a bench and faces aft, optimizing space within the salon area. Typical interior arrangements for a vessel of this size and era would generally include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Based on common build practices of Swedish yards like Albin Marine, the interior likely features quality joinery and materials, offering a comfortable and durable living space suitable for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Albin Nimbus 42 generally hold a positive view of their vessels, frequently commending their solid construction and robust build quality. The boat's sailing performance is a consistent point of praise, with many noting that she sails very well and is easily managed even by a short-handed crew. Her stability and comfortable motion in a seaway are also highly valued attributes, contributing to her reputation as a capable offshore cruiser.

However, as with many boats of her vintage, certain recurring maintenance items are commonly reported. A frequently mentioned concern is the condition of original teak decks, if present, which may require significant upgrading or re-bedding due to age and wear. Additionally, owners have noted tendencies for leaks around portlights, hatches, and the forward anchor locker, suggesting that these areas may need attention for re-sealing or replacement over time to maintain interior dryness. Despite these typical considerations for older vessels, the Albin Nimbus 42 maintains a strong reputation among its owners for its overall quality and sailing prowess.