Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 boat specs
Nimbus
Nimbus 26 Nova 2003
2003
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VS
Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 boat specs
Nimbus
Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022
2022
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Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 vs Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 vs Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 measures 37,1 feet overall (2022), giving it roughly 11,1 additional feet of deck space compared to the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 at 26,0 feet (2003). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 tips the scales at 15 243 lbs — 9 732 lbs less than the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 at 5 511 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 442 hp, the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 has a 182-hp advantage over the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003's 260-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 37,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail26.00 ft
Length overall - Detail37.11 ft
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet37.11
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters11.31
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches445
Beam8.10 ft
Beam11.50 ft
Beam - Meters2.47
Beam - Meters3.51
Beam - Inches97
Beam - Inches138
Displacement5511.00 lbs
Displacement15243.00 lbs
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail3.80 ft
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.16
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches46
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeVolvo Penta
Engine makeVolvo Penta
Engine modelKAD 44 EDC
Engine modelD4-3
Horsepower260 hp
Horsepower442 hp
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeinboard
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal184.92
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters700
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacity4
Cabins1
Cabins2
Head1
Headnot available
Boat typePower
Boat typePower
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity71.35
Performance
Cruising speednot available
Cruising speed18
Cruising speed measurenot available
Cruising speed measureknots
Maximum speednot available
Maximum speed28
Maximum speed measurenot available
Maximum speed measureknots

Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 vs Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 or the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022?
The Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 is the longer of the two at 37,1 feet overall. The Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 11,1 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 or the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022?
For trailering, the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 has the edge at 5 511 lbs dry weight versus 15 243 lbs for the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 is rated to a maximum of 442 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 tops out at 260 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 is certified for 11. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 measures 138" wide, compared to 97" for the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Are the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 and Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Nimbus 26 Nova 2003 and the Nimbus 365 Coupe Coupe 2022 are built by Nimbus. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.