Nimble 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nimble 20 first entered production in 1986, marking the inaugural model for Nimble Boats Works Inc. Jerry Koch, with a diverse background that included a role as a production manager for CNN, brought a unique approach to yacht design, aiming to create boats that offered a departure from the prevailing designs of the era. Collaborating with renowned naval architect Ted Brewer, the goal for the Nimble 20 was to craft a vessel that felt authentic without being a mere imitation of a bygone era. Brewer achieved this by blending the endearing qualities of classic canoe yawls and Chesapeake Bay sharpies with his own distinctive design elements.

Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Nimble 20 features a robust build indicative of Nimble Boats' commitment to durability. While the boat is formally rigged as a fractionally rigged ketch, often described as a "spry yawl" due to its distinctive appearance, this rig is generally considered easier to handle due to smaller sail sizes. 1, 7, Builder Article The design incorporates a lead-ballasted keel with a centerboard, offering a variable draft from a shallow 0.92 feet for easy access to shallow anchorages and simplified trailering, to a deeper 4.08 feet for enhanced upwind performance. This clever design element speaks directly to its purpose as a trailerable pocket cruiser. Owners have noted that there might be variations in the design during its production run, with some "Offshore" versions reportedly featuring additional ballast.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nimble 20, with its keel/centerboard hull type, is designed for versatile sailing, capable of navigating both shallow waters and more open conditions. Its hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.96 knots. The ketch rig allows for a flexible sail plan, enabling sailors to easily adapt to changing wind conditions by adjusting the relatively smaller individual sails. Anecdotal reports from owners frequently highlight the boat's trailerability as a significant advantage, allowing them to launch from common paved ramps and explore diverse cruising grounds. This ease of transport underscores its suitability as a highly mobile pocket cruiser, enabling extended trips over long distances. The boat typically utilizes an outboard engine, with a 5 hp standard shaft motor recommended by the builder, situated in a dedicated motor well in the cockpit.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Nimble 20 is a compact vessel, its interior is thoughtfully arranged to maximize the available space for overnighting and short-term cruising. Although specific maximum headroom figures are not available in documented specifications, the design aims to make the most of its small footprint. The interior features at least one comfortable sleeping berth, with a starboard berth noted to be a generous 6 feet 8 inches in length. Owners often describe a layout typical of a pocket cruiser, providing essential amenities for a comfortable weekend or short passage, though the emphasis is on efficiency and functionality rather than spaciousness. The general finish quality, like other Nimble boats, typically reflects robust fiberglass construction, designed for durability.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nimble 20 consistently commend its robust construction and its unique blend of classic aesthetics with practical trailering capabilities. Many consider it a capable "family cruiser," facilitating "grand adventures" over many years and miles. The ability to easily trailer the boat is a recurring praise point, offering unparalleled access to various sailing destinations, allowing owners to embark on extensive journeys across states. This mobility, combined with its shallow draft thanks to the centerboard, makes it an ideal vessel for exploring diverse waterways. While generally well-regarded, some owners have noted common maintenance issues, such as problems with the original roller furler on the bowsprit, suggesting potential areas for attention on older models. The active and supportive community of Nimble boat owners further speaks to the enduring appeal and reliability of these distinctive sailboats.