Due to arrive in Auckland shortly is a Paragon 25 Cabin from the Swedish boat builder Nimbus Yachts.
 The Paragon 25 (8.52m x 3.00m) is very different from what most Kiwi boaties might be used to and is not just another sports cruiser. Nor is it a RIB with a lid. It’s unique and looks like a splendid combination of the two types.
Designed as a utility boat with exceptional performance, Paragon 25 combines design with sporty performance and safe marine features. It was conceived as a leisure interpretation of the rugged search and rescue boats used around northern Europe’s coastlines. There’s no doubt about it; the Paragon 25 is a striking looking boat.
 The hull has a slight and subtle ‘whale back’ sheer, which gives extra freeboard forward and sufficient volume to accommodate the fore cabin down below. But the most apparent feature is the Paragon’s RIB style collar that sits immediately beneath the substantial wrap-around rubbing strake. This is made from a closed-cell compound covered in Hypalon ORCA material. Power is provided from a single Volvo Penta D4-300 DPI.
In keeping with its intended role as a safe all-weather performer, the Paragon has wide and secure ‘walk around’ side decks and sizeable fore and aft decks. Innovative sliding rails and opening side gates aft make boarding easy. And the finely executed teak decking gives this whole expanse of the deck a classy look.
What’s more, a deep teak capped bulwark running round the boat means feet cannot slip over the side, and substantial stainless steel grabrails give good handholds. In addition, carefully positioned handrails on top of and on each side of the deck saloon mean that there’s always something to grab. A lot of thought has gone into making the Paragon 25 an easy and comfortable boat to move around on, and it shows.
