The Perfect Boat for Peanut Island: Discover Sandbar Days Aboard the Nimbus W11
Nestled at the mouth of the Lake Worth Inlet in Palm Beach County is Peanut Island, an 80-acre park with sandy shores, walking paths, and shady pavilions. Locals know it as the best place to be on peak boating days, and the Fourth of July is no exception. Though the island is accessible by ferry from Palm Beach, getting there by way of your own vessel offers a certain degree of freedom that’s fitting for Independence Day.
Born and raised in Palm Beach himself, HMY’s Sales Manager, Jason Norcross, is a seasoned Peanut Island visitor and recently anchored there aboard a Nimbus Weekender 11 (W11) with his family. “I can’t imagine a better boat for Peanut Island than Nimbus,” he says. “It’s the Swiss Army Knife of boats.”
Here’s a look at everything you could do with any of the vessels in Nimbus’ Weekender/Tender/Commuter (“WTC”) series at Peanut Island this coming holiday.
Celebrate in a Spacious Setting
You’ll find plenty of picnic tables and pavilions on the island, but Nimbus invites you to enjoy a comfortable, intimate dining experience right from its deck. The W11, for one, can sit six to eight people around its cockpit table — an unconventionally spacious arrangement for a boat of its size. With a dining area this large, there’s no need to stick to finger foods; salads, burgers, and other summertime staples can easily be enjoyed family-style. Each Nimbus bears similarly clever seating options, so feel free to invite friends or family along for the festivities.
The spaciousness doesn’t end on deck, however. Should you need a break from the balmy Florida weather, retreat to the cabin to cool off in the air conditioning. Or, anchor up for the evening for a comfortable alternative to camping. Ceilings reach over six feet, affording you far more space than you’d find in a tent.
Enjoy Ample Amenities
The Fourth at Peanut Island is all about relaxation, and there’s no better boat for leisurely day trips than Nimbus. Slide off the folding side balcony for easy access to go snorkeling, or enjoy the added deck space while dangling your feet in the water. Exclusive to the W11 model is the option to upgrade your Nimbus with a hydraulic swim platform, allowing you to submerge into the surrounding waters effortlessly.
Besides snorkeling gear, Nimbus offers ample storage to stow all of your Peanut Island essentials, from inflatable rafts to blow-up paddleboards. And with plentiful refrigeration, there’s no need to lug a cooler along for the trip. With a wet bar, sink, and two doors of chilled storage, you’ll have far more options than canned drinks alone. Mix up some liberty-themed libations, set out a platter of watermelon slices, or add some citrus to your sparkling water. Nimbus also offers various shade features to keep you cool as you enjoy your refreshments, such as the W11’s aft and forward canopies. Alternatively, the electric sunshade roof complemented by air conditioning in the cockpit offers additional protection from the elements when you need a break from the heat.
Cruise with Confidence
Heading to a hotspot like Peanut Island means you’ll be in the company of hundreds of other like-minded boaters, which might present certain navigational challenges — but not for Nimbus. Even the largest vessels in their fleet have an impressively small draft of two and a half feet, thanks to the WTC series’ outboard engines that allow you to maneuver through shallow waters with ease. Adding to their simplified handling are joystick and bow thruster functionalities, which offer a degree of flexibility that boaters of all experience levels will appreciate, especially in packed holiday waters. The extra-large rub rails, a signature Nimbus feature, make the W11 an attractive boat for rafting up with friends, and also offer an added peace of mind while operating in highly populated areas. And with anchors at both bow and stern, you can rest assured you’ll stay put without swaying once you reach your destination.
Our Tips for the Perfect Fourth of July at Peanut Island
Speaking of your arrival, you’ll want to make sure you head out as early as possible to snag your spot this Independence Day. While Peanut Island draws heavy crowds on a good day, summer holidays like the Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekend are especially busy. This is especially true if you have a specific spot in mind. We suggest anchoring on the southeast side of the island for a clear view of the 4th on Flagler fireworks display, set to kick off shortly after 9 pm.
To find out more about the Nimbus family, explore these exquisite Scandinavian boats here or contact a dedicated HMY Nimbus specialist by calling 561-785-1500. You can also browse through HMY’s full inventory of yachts for sale.
Quick Links:
- What Makes HMY the U.S. Nimbus Dealer of Choice?
- Crafted for Adventure – The Nimbus T8
- Two Nimbus Events With HMY This April
- The Nimbus Line Up At The Palm Beach International Boat Show
- Four Nimbus Models To See At The Miami Boat Show