The Nimble Nomad comes in two versions - the "Tropical," which features a varnished wood interior, teak-and-holly sole and teak doors, and the "Special" or "Standard", which has a more modest, wood-trimmed cabin. "In my book, it fills the niche of a quality, affordable and unique pocket trawler. "If I had it to do over again, I would buy another Nimble Nomad," he says. I credit our safe outcome to the quality construction of our Nimble and to the great Danforth anchor, which held firm under those terrible conditions."Ĭruising comfort, character and seakeeping - the little Nimble has it all, Palmer says.
"In fact, the ship's bell rang all night long. "We stayed there through the night, with 25- to 30-knot winds and waves that I would estimate running between 3 and 4 feet," Palmer says. However, there was another kind of "Nimble moment." As they cruised Pensacola Bay, an unexpected storm blew in, and Palmer had to take shelter behind a small island to wait it out. It was absolutely wonderful being able to doze off to sleep to the sound of the falling water and the gentle motions of our home on the water." "We anchored, grilled some steaks and just enjoyed our boat, each other and life. "At dusk we cruised up the along the sheer limestone cliffs to where a small waterfall cascaded down the rock face," Palmer recalls. As we motored through the gauntlet of anchored boats, people stood up and cheered our little Nomad."īut real enjoyment came with the Nomad tucked away in a peaceful anchorage. "On a July Fourth a couple of years ago, we were at the Lake of the Ozarks, where an estimated 1,000 boats were gathered in a secluded cove. There's a 24-gallon fuel tank.īesides being practical, the Nomad has plenty of character, turning heads wherever it goes, Palmer says. The 2,450-pound displacement boat cruises at 5 to 7 knots, and fuel usage is about 1.5 gallons an hour at 7 knots it's less than a gallon an hour at 5 knots. Other additions include a barbecue grill, entertainment center and custom cabinetry.īoomer is powered by a 40-hp Honda 4-stroke mounted in an outboard well. That includes air conditioning - "It gets hot in Mississippi," Palmer says - a 2-gallon water heater and a hot-and-cold cockpit shower. The Nomad's standard layout is complete, but Palmer has added the amenities he and his wife wanted for cruising comfort. "I a proud owner and I haven't regretted my choice." "The people at Nimble treat you, before and after the sale, the way you would expect," he says. With the company acting as broker, Palmer bought the boat from a private owner. A visit to the Nimble factory swayed them. As they narrowed their choices, the Nomad seemed to look better and better.
The couple searched for two years - online, boat shows, magazines, classified ads. "Plus, it had to have curb appeal and lend itself to easy modifications." "We started looking for a trailerable boat - rugged, comfortable, cheap on gas, with all the amenities of home," Palmer says. After traveling the country in an RV, the two thought it might be fun to explore the nation's waterways, but in their own boat.
And that's just what the couple wanted to do.