A quiet shoreline. Open water. Time that feels unrushed.
For one American family of five, time on the water isn’t just about cruising—it’s about creating space to connect, unwind, and explore. Aboard the Nimbus W9, they’ve found a boat that meets the demands of life on Lake Michigan with comfort, safety, and performance—all while delivering a stress-free boating experience that keeps their young children happy and secure.
Designed with versatility in mind, the Nimbus W9 is the ideal companion for day trips that range from scenic coastal runs to larger lake crossings. With its spacious layout, protected cabin, and thoughtful Scandinavian design, the W9 turns everyday outings into calm, memorable escapes—allowing the family to focus on each other and the beauty around them.
Interview with American Family on the W9
What makes Nimbus a unique choice for boating on Lake Michigan to you?
“It’s a versatile boat that can accommodate our family in comfort and safety which is important with 3 young kids and variable weather on Lake Michigan!”
Are there any specific features that make the Nimbus W9 a fitting boat for your family?
“Aside from the comfortable performance and handling characteristics that keep operating stress to a minimum (or nonexistent), we like the high freeboard that keeps our girls in the boat safely. It’s easy to relax onboard with this design. We don’t feel like we have to always keep a hand on their life jackets to make sure they don’t fall overboard! We also like the berth down below and the head that allows us to stay out on the water longer (the cabin is perfect for naps, and the head is great for the toddlers.)”
What’s your favorite spot to boat on Lake Michigan?
“We love longer distance trips with a cool destination, like boating over to Frankfort, Michigan from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, or running around Door County and seeing state parks or the charming towns from the water. There are a lot of places more local to us in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that can be overlooked and are super calm and fun like the beaches past South Shore Park, or the bluffs and beaches around Whitefish Bay and Klode Park… places people don’t usually think of when boating.”
What part of the day on the W9 was your favorite aboard the Nimbus?
“The excitement of pulling away from the dock is always super fun, because you anticipate the fun ride and what you’ll do when you get to where you’re going. It is an adventure. And I always love having the kids drive the boat out on the lake, since I remember doing that as a young kid and seeing pictures now that bring back fun memories.”
How does spending time on the water strengthen your family bond?
“It allows everyone to be focused on each other and the beauty around us. There’s a reason people say that – it’s true!”
If you could describe your day aboard the W9 in one word, what would it be and why?
“Calm. It is stress free due to the factors mentioned before (easy to use, rides well, safe feeling, etc.), the kids always relax and have some more peaceful moments than a typical day, you can get away from phones/devices/work (for the most part) and enjoy the amazing scenery on the Lake.”
