"The making of nicols yachts":

Fabrication

A little background:

Nicols yacht construction started in 1986 within a French industrial group, specialised in the transformation of plastic materials. In 1990, the first Nicols base is opened in Dole in Franche-Comté, and the following year a reservation centre is opened to take bookings for holidaymakers. 20 years later, the characteristic Nicols process still continues in this triple competence: construction/rentals/administrating the bases, which allows the company to handle all aspects of the trade. Over the years, generations of boats have followed: after the Marinas, then Riviera, the Sedans have been developed, easily recognisable with their "sea yacht" silhouette, and their terrace, unrivalled on the market; then the grand comfort range appreciated by couples, and finally the new Estivale generation ... In total, there are 5 ranges, 21 boat models, and more than 500 craft that have come from the Nicols shipyard.

The design of a model:

At first, all starts with a list of ideas: inspired from customer comments, 1st users of Nicols yachts; we use all suggestions that can allow us to improve the comfort onboard our boats, and to exceed the expectations of our customers. Once the "conditions" are chosen, we must design "the" yacht that will cover all the demands of our clients: living area, sleeping quarters, attractive lines, comfort of the interior furnishings... Fabrication

The key points of construction:

When the plans are finished, we begin the making of the "first model": made of wood, it is from this model that the moulds are created to make all the boats. Each mould must have a perfect surface , like a mirror, so that the stratification (projection of polyester fibres) is without a flaw. Once the two principal pieces are made (hull and deck) comes the unmoulding stage ... it is already a new born! Then all the teams take over : carpenters to make the partitions and interior furniture, welders for the railings and ladders, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, for the interior equipment and wiring, etc... until the boat is finally ready to leave the shipyard for its new home! Fittings designed for your comfort and security: Onboard a Nicols yacht, everything is thought out for your comfort. Most of our models are fitted with a large, light and airy living area, with a 360° panoramic view; a very practical fitted kitchen with a 200 litre fridge and a freezer compartment, a stove and mini oven, sometimes even a micro-wave (on the VIP)! With the exception of the Riviera range (our 1st models) all the boats feature sliding French windows with access onto the terrace for meals in the sun; the roof solarium is accessible and there is often a second piloting position (the fly-bridge) for the captain's suntan! For safety, Nicols has equipped all boats with a double railing and a hand rail which permits your movements to the front of the boat with maximum security and comfort for adults and children (under your supervision). All our models built in our shipyard since 1998, have a water level bathing ladder: practical for climbing onto the boat, after a dip, voluntary or accidental! Fabrication

Becoming a Nicols yacht owner!

A spacious living area, a fitted kitchen, cabins and bathrooms, a terrace...your Nicols boat is as comfortable as a floating home! Such is the case for some of our clients who have taken the plunge, and have chosen to invest in buying a Nicols river yacht, as their second home. New or second hand, with the possibility to have interior fittings altered or made to measure, as you wish! The Nicols boat enthusiasts, are not only holidaymakers, but also happy boat owners! Click here for more information?

Our boats in numbers:

The Nicols Yacht shipyard has made more than 500 boats, developed in 5 ranges and 21 models, from 7,50m to 13,50m. These models are for rental in France, Germany and Portugal. Each year more than 30 000 passengers navigate onboard our Nicols river boats ... Fabrication Nicols boats