KARNIC 2250
BUILT: 2005 PRICE: £20,995
Cypriot builder Karnic began building open outboard-powered runabouts in 1993 for its local market. In the mid 1990s it launched its Bluewater range of larger boats with a 21ft hull designed to go further offshore. Exports began in 1998 and within two years almost all of its production was going overseas.
INTERIOR The trick to Karnic is an understanding of the model designation. Out of the four numeral designations, the first two numbers indicate the hull length, the third indicates motive power with a 5 for outboard versions and a 6 for sterndrive. The final digit is either 0 for open or 5 for a wheelhouse. Thus this 2250 model is an outboard powered open boat with a cuddy cabin so the interior is necessarily limited, but there’s a comfy seating area that converts to sleeping for two, cabin lights and a ‘Porta-potti’ chemical loo.
EXTERIOR The cockpit is where it’s at for this boat. There are helm seats with flip-over backrests to make aft seating at rest, insulated storage/fish boxes, a self-bailing deck and even a tiny galley area with a single burner hob and sink. Unusually, it has bulwarked side decks leading forward to the foredeck making this a particularly easy boat to move around on.
PERFORMANCE Karnic offered Volvo Penta and Mercruiser options for its inboard boats, but of course you can bolt what you like on the back of an outboard version. This boat has a Suzuki 150hp four-stroke outboard engine that tops out at 30 knots according to the broker, and cruises at 25 knots.
SEAKEEPING The smallest of Karnic’s Storm Line, it features a planing hull with plenty of flare to keep spray at bay. Cornering is quick and light, helped by the engine’s power steering system, and the boat responds keenly, banking eagerly into turns. MBY’S editor owns one, and if it’s good enough for Admiral Andreae, what higher recommendation could you ask for?