Euro styling, long a big selling point in automobiles, now comes to boats. The well appointed and well finished Cyprian built Karnic Bluewater 2250 is a fine example of what European stying is all about in water craft.

The overall design of this 6.3m fibreglass craft involved a decent lift in the bow sheer line to assist in sea keeping capability, a well designed cuddy cab offered weather protection plus a bunk and toilet while the large cockpit with its high sides and self draining capacity offered seating for 4 up front, two more folk aft.

The Karnic’s 20° ‘V’ hull with its strong under water strakes featured a very deep and lustrous gel coat dressed up with top shelf stainless steel rails and fittings.

In some respects the Karnic differed somewhat from many of the local products in that some features were a bit novel, others perhaps overlooked but overall the craft offered distinctive yet eye catching lines, practicality, and a host of on-board features to please both the dedicated angler as well as the family boater. Peace of mind with a purchase would be assured thanks to a 10-year hull structural warranty, there’s full foam under the floor and a fibreglass injected stringer system for maximum strength. The hull did indeed have a very rigid and solid feel about it.

Although unfamiliar with the brand, I found it a great pleasure to be aboard the big Karnic and assess it’s performance and handling. The point is simply that a good boat is a good boat and the review to follow will likely indicate as much. But before delving into detail, let’s first have a quick glance at Karnic boats.

Offered for sale by Stefan’s Boating World of Coomera Karnic are a long way from their home in Cyprus. Researching their history a quick glance on the ‘Net showed a host of different Karnic models with each offering a great combination of features to add value to the individual package. The reviewed Bluewater 2250 also packs a lot of punch both in styling, appointments and on water performance.

On-water entry at the bow involves stepping through the split bow rail, just ahead of the anchor well pulpit with its power winch. Access up front, where a seat beckons at the extremity of the cuddy cab, is via a well set up walk-around area with ample hand holds courtesy of the stainless steel hard top frame work. If boarding from the stern, there are a couple of useful handrail equipped boarding platforms with a step over the transom easily negotiated.

The Karnic’s rod holder equipped moulded hard top was well situated to offer shade for skipper and mate and with the craft’s 4-piece windscreen also offering its own share of weather protection in the forward area of the craft things were very comfortable under way.

Entry to the window equipped cabin was via a locking bi-fold door and once in the cabin I noted more than just a hint of luxury thanks to sumptuous cushioning on bunks along with full cabin lining. Note that large storage lockers were set up under the bunks (convertible to a large bed thanks to an infill) while a marine toilet was also installed under the bunks as well.

Cabin access via the folding door was also facilitated thanks to a lift up section which, when lowered, formed a neat part of the craft’s dash area extending aft of the 4-piece screen. Note that an above floor storage locker was installed in the port side, along with a speaker for the Karnic’s excellent sound system.

In all, it was an attractive layout combining practicality and purpose very smoothly.

Smart design saw both skipper and first mate seated on a well-padded multi-function bench seat, which provided seating for two facing forward, two facing aft; a configuration that allowed easy conversation by those up front when underway. The seats were not overly large but adequate.

What’s more, the seat also lifted forward (grab handle provided) to allow access to a spirit stove and cutting board equipped sink tucked under it; the small galley ideal for making a cuppa or putting together a snack between sessions with the fish. Water capacity was 45L. There was also a set of tackle trays built into the seat’s rear section as well.

I found the Karnic’ s bench seat with its high back rest ideal for driving the craft yet should it be necessary to stand to drive (as it so often is) the seat formed a strong brace point as well. Visibility while seated was totally unobstructed, as it should be. The Karnic’s instrument display was mounted on an upraised moulded binnacle directly ahead of the skipper. Instruments and gauges consisted mainly of a compass, paired gauges to monitor the 225 Yamaha astern, switches and radio controls. Drink holders were also provided, while the craft’s 3-spoke sports style steering wheel was central; forward controls and stereo speaker side mounted. The instrument binnacle design, with its many curved surfaces, would perhaps make the installation of a large screen sounder somewhat difficult, but the fitting of a large RAM bracket to hold a sounder would take care of even the sort of very large screen that every boat seems to feature these days.

The self-draining cockpit with its rod holder equipped gunwales and non-skid floor, while not specifically set up for dedicated angling pursuits, was still very fishing friendly. Seating was flexible with both side seats within the cockpit plus aft squabs with back rests on hand, each removable when fishing or to simply provide more room.

Large live wells were located within each aft corner while a pair of side pockets were located each side of the cockpit as well. Interior side height at 600mm ensured plenty of confidence – for up to 4 anglers – when fishing.

One thing anglers would certainly enjoy was the great stability of the 6.3m long, 2.45m wide hull with its 1080kg dry weight. Substantial mass of that nature tends to sit aft like in the water and this sort of stability, along with the easy fuss free ride of the well designed hull, would make the rig a great one for bay, estuary or all manner of offshore work.

Performance from the top power 225 Yamaha 4-stroke was ideal for the solid Karnic. Purring gently at idle the big Yammy kicked the rig into motion with ease and at just on 2000rpm I noted an easy plane at 18.2km/h with 3 aboard. Kicking up to 3000rpm saw 34.5km/h recorded, 4000rpm got us to 57.6km/h, 5000 rpm at 68.3km/h. A burst to 56000rpm (WOT) gave her 74.8km/h.

The responsiveness of the 4.2L V6 engine was all one could wish for and the smallest throttle lever movements brought very quick engine pick up. In all, a great horsepower match for the hull.

Handling was very good with the hull turning quite sharply without any prop cavitation while recovery from any lean during sharp turns was noticeably fast.

It would have been great to have spent some time offshore, in the big Karmic but it was not to be. Nonetheless, I formed an opinion that the manner in which the hull handled some large wash within the Coomera River would see it very much at home offshore.

The point is that the bows are high, all water was kicked well away from the hull’s interior and there was ample freeboard. Matching that with such great stability, both at rest and underway sees the Karnic Bluewater 2250 a great sea boat.

In summing up, I gave the new comer from Cyprus full marks in virtually all departments. I would have liked to see the side pockets somewhat longer, maybe a deck wash and a rod holder equipped bait station at the transom, but with redeeming features of size, easy performance, stability plus high levels of sea keeping capability, I feel that many anglers would be pleased with the craft.

On an Oceanic dual wheel (with alloy mags) trailer the Karnic Bluewater 2250 would come home from Stefan’s Boating World for $96,999. Contact details are: --e-mail address hidden-- or telephone (07) 56658400 or fax at (07) 3844 4777.

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