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Nimble 20
Designer: Ted Brewer  ·  Builder: Nimble Boats (Usa)  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Nimble 20

Designed by renowned naval architect Ted Brewer and introduced in 1986, this compact ketch represents an intriguing approach to small boat cruising. The Nimble 20's fractionally rigged ketch configuration is unusual for a boat of this size, offering versatility in sail handling and the ability to balance the boat under various wind conditions using different sail combinations. With its moderate displacement and fiberglass construction, the Nimble 20 strikes a balance between performance and stability. The keel/centerboard hybrid hull design provides the deep-water stability of a fixed keel while offering shallow-water access through the retractable centerboard—a valuable feature for exploring gunkholes and beaches. The comfort ratio of 9.32 indicates a relatively stiff, quick motion that favors performance over ultimate comfort in a seaway. This design suits coastal cruising and day sailing particularly well, where its manageable size and dual-purpose hull shine. The fractional ketch rig allows for easy sail reduction and provides excellent balance under various points of sail. While the capsize screening formula suggests this boat is better suited for protected waters rather than extensive offshore passages, its Ted Brewer pedigree ensures sound construction principles and seaworthy characteristics within its intended cruising envelope.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$5,200 – $5,200
typical asking price
Median $5,200  ·  3 listings used
All listings
$5,200 – $5,200 3
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 20.92 ft / 6.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.75 ft / 6.02 m
Beam 7.75 ft / 2.36 m
Max Draft 4.08 ft / 1.24 m
Min Draft 0.92 ft / 0.28 m
Displacement 1,854.00 lb / 841 kg
Ballast 400.00 lb / 181 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 207.00 ft² / 19.23 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractionally Rigged Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Ted Brewer
Builder Nimble Boats (USA)
First Built 1986
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 22
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 21.57
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 107.44
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 9.32
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.53
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.96 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 546.91 pounds/inch
Find a Nimble 20 For Sale
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