Karnic 1851 Openline Review
Stefan Boating World in Coomera up on the Gold Coast has made quite an impression on the local boating scene of late and I was recently impressed with the dealer’s range of imported Smartliner boats (see test in TrailerBoat #296, July 2013).
Another of Stefan’s key import stable is the Karnic range, which features trailerboats geared towards those looking for something a bit more exclusive and multi-purpose.
We seem to have had a few centre console fishing weapons passing through the testing bay of late — some smaller-budget versions mixed with more expensive options set up to suit avid anglers frequenting bays and offshore. And here we have another centre console in the Karnic 1851 Openline, but this time it’s a boat of style. This is a vessel that will appeal to the family and boat-modelling fraternity, but also one that could be transformed into a fishing machine.
EURO FLAIR
Importing boats from its base on the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus, Karnic Powerboats was founded in 1993 and produces a number of different units from runabouts to bluewater offshore craft, and they all have style to spare. These boats feature what could be called a typical European design, with hot-looking lines, a bit more beam and often a touch of bling to flash them up a bit.
I had researched the boats due to arrive at Stefan Boating World a few months ago and judging by the way they looked on paper, or rather on a computer screen, I was quite excited to finally be getting my hands on one. Five different boats were lined up for my test with Stefan and my eyes were immediately drawn to the Karnic 1851 Openline. It looked so stylish, and that was just when it was sitting on the trailer.
Other than its good looks, the thing that really catches your eye is the boat’s size. The Openline may be listed as 5.65m, but it somehow looks much bigger. There is no lack of freeboard because the bow and shoulders make a definite statement by sitting high, with a tapered shear-line down to the stern.
Once on board, it’s soon clear this is no rough-and-tumble centre console. Luxuries and finer touches like the full-length seating across the stern, double console seat, massive centre console with excellent windscreen protection and space for gadgets, bowrider seating configuration with full day / tanning bed, and an abundance of storage all combine to leave behind any notions of roughing it.
FISHING MODS
As for the anglers checking out the 1851 Openline, it’s admittedly unlikely to initially strike them as the ideal offshore fishing rig. But they shouldn’t let that deter them — I believe any boat can be transformed into a fishing rig.
As standard, there are no dedicated fishing fixtures, but it would be simple to add a few to suit without breaking the bank. For example, there is plenty of space on the coamings for flush-mount holders, room for a baitboard system in the stern, the massive storage wells under the rear seats could be plumbed, and there is plenty of space for decent-sized electronics on the console. Leave the fancy cushions at home and you have a reasonable fishing outfit suitable for offshore jaunts.
Out on the water, I like the fact the boat’s seating is comfortable for two, with offset controls, and it’s all designed in such a way that you can be seated or standing when driving.
The 1851 is rated to (and Karnic recommends) 115hp, making the Mercury 115hp four-stroke fitted to our test boat a solid match. Power was sufficient throughout the rev range with a top-end of 33kts (61kmh) achieved at WOT. In the chop I found the ideal speed, revs and economy to be around 22kts (40.7kmh), with the ride exceptionally stable and fairly soft considering the 18° deadrise.
The boat drives very nicely, turns and tracks well and is easy to handle on the controls.
If anything, I personally wouldn’t mind a higher horsepower rating because I feel the boat could comfortably handle it and would benefit from the extra gumption. Regardless, the 115hp is not a bad match and might only be an issue when loading up to maximum passenger capacities.
THE WRAP
I really like this kind of design: modern and stylish looks incorporated into a boat that’s great for entertaining and family days, but one that could also be transformed into a classy fishing rig.
For those looking for something a bit more family orientated the 1851 Openline is certainly not a bad option, and considering the price I expect to start seeing a few more of these on the water in the near future.
These are cool boats, but wait until you see the larger executive versions with drop-down cabins below the console, fitted with all the bells and whistles. Stay tuned.
PERFORMANCE
5kts (9.2kmh) @ 1500rpm
7kts (13kmh) @ 2500rpm
15kts (27.8kmh) @ 3500rpm
22kts (40.7kmh) @ 4500rpm
30.2kts (55.9kmh) @ 5500rpm
33kts (61kmh) @ 6000rpm — WOT
ON THE PLANE...
- All-round style and finishes
- Family appeal plus multi-purpose use
- Abundant storage
DRAGGING THE CHAIN...
- Could do with a few fishing fittings as standard
- No toe-holds for the serious angler
- Wouldn’t mind a few extra horsepower
SPECIFICATIONS: KARNIC 1851 OPENLINE
HOW MUCH?
Price as tested: $51,179
Options fitted: Fusion stereo; bimini; switchboard; compass; Mercury 115hp four-stroke
Priced from: $48,099
GENERAL
Type: Recreational centre console
Material: GRP
Length: 5.65m
Beam: 2.3m
Weight: 680kg
Deadrise: 18°
CAPACITIES
People: 6
Berths: N/A
Rec. HP: 115
Max. HP: 115
Fuel: 90L
Water: 45L
ENGINE
Make/model: Mercury 115hp EFI
Type: In-line, four-stroke, 16-valve, DOHC
Weight: 181kg
Displacement: 1732cc
Gear ratio: 2.33:1
Propeller: 18in Vengeance
MANUFACTURED BY
Karnic Powerboats
Web: www.karnicboats.com
Originally published in TrailerBoat #297, June/July 2013