Ever since launching this blog in 2016, we’ve put over 100 paddle boards to the test.
But the Bluefin Cruise? It’s in a league of its own.
Our hands-on experience proves this isn’t just another SUP floating around.
The Bluefin Cruise is setting standards with its stiffness, five-year-warranty, and variety of sizes and color options.
Let’s dive into our Bluefin Cruise review.
Table of Contents
📹 Video
📊 Data & Facts
| Board Type | Inflatable (iSUP) |
|---|---|
| Brand | Bluefin |
| Skill Level | Beginner and Intermediate |
| Price Range | Upper Mid-range |
| Intended Use | Cruising Board |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | 9’8”: approx. 70-80 kg (155-175 lbs) 10’4”: approx. 80-90 kg (175-200 lbs) 10’8”: approx. 100-110 kg (220-240 lbs) 12′: approx. 120-130 kg (265-285 lbs) |
| Length | 9’8” (295 cm) 10’4” (315 cm) 10’8” (325 cm) 12′ (366 cm) |
| Width | 9’8”: 76 cm (30”) 10’4”: 79 cm (31”) 10’8”: 82 cm (32”) 12′: 82 cm (32”) |
| Thickness | 15 cm (6”) |
| Volume* (estimated) | 9’8”: 250 Liters 10’4”: 270 Liters 10’8”: 290 Liters 12′: 320 Liters |
| Weight | 9’8”: 9.18 kg (20.24 lbs) 10’4”: 10.41 kg (22.95 lbs) 10’8”: 10.93 kg (24.09 lbs) 12′: 12.38 kg (27.29 lbs) |
| Accessories | Manual SUP Backpack 3-piece Fiberglass Paddle 3 removable Fins (Smartlock System) Double-Action Air Pump with Pressure Gauge Coiled Leash (spiral safety line) Waterproof Phone Case Repair Kit |
🔄 How did the Bluefin Cruise change over time?
The Bluefin Cruise has undergone several changes over the past few years.
- Size: Initially, the Bluefin Cruise was available in only two sizes (10’8 and 12′). However, it now comes in four sizes (9’8, 10’4, 10’8, and 12′), including two smaller two sizes.
- Construction: Bluefin has adopted a lighter, modern Fusion-Build (ESL Fusion-Layer) in its new Cruise models.
- Design & Colors: New series, new look! In addition to a complete design overhaul, the Bluefin Cruise is now available in a spectacular six different colors.
- Features: Features now include a removable cargo net with reflectors on the front D-rings and two additional Action-Cam holders on the rear rings. The deck pad has been extended to the rear, and the valve is now incorporated into the rear section of the standing area.
- Accessories: With the new Bluefin Cruise, you get a new SUP backpack, a new pump, and a new paddle. While the second paddle blade and kayak seat are no longer included in the standard delivery package, they are available separately.
👍👎 Pro & Con
Pros
- Available in 4 sizes and 6 colors
- 5-year warranty
- Excellent material and quality
- Lightweight Fusion-Layer
- Board got many features
- High-quality accessories included
Cons
- Not all colors are available in each size
- Kayak seat and second paddle blade no longer included
🛠 Built & Material
The Bluefin Cruise utilizes innovative construction technology known as MSL Fusion, which Bluefin describes as an ESL Fusion-Layer Construction. This process fuses a drop-stitch core, made up of densely interconnected composite threads, providing exceptional stability to the board.
The outer layer of the board comprises UV-resistant PVC, which isn’t adhered to with adhesive but instead fused with the fabric shell of the core via pressure and heat. This process of fusion results in an inseparable bond and a significantly lighter product.
The Fusion-layer technology aligns with environmental objectives as it reduces material consumption. Furthermore, the weight issue, which was a point of criticism in earlier models, is now overcome. The boards are now lightweight, facilitating in transport and handling.
⚖️ Weight Limit
Bluefin provides the following Bluefin Cruise weight limits:
- 9.8: 130 kg (286 lbs)
- 10.4: 140 kg (308 lbs)
- 10.8: 150 kg (330 lbs)
- 12.0: 175 kg (385 lbs)
The Bluefin Cruise Boards have long been known for their rigidity and durability among inflatable SUPs. However, for the best riding experience, we don’t recommend pushing these weight limits to their maximum.
Given the variety of board sizes available, it’s best to utilize this range to your advantage. Based on our experience, the recommended weight ranges without compromising performance are as follows:
- 9.8: 70-80 kg (155-175 lbs)
- 10.4: 80-90 kg (175-200 lbs)
- 10.8: 100-110 kg (220-240 lbs)
- 12.0: 120-130 kg (265-285 lbs)
However, reaching the maximum of these recommended weights doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t go further.
But, with increased weight, the volume of the board gradually reaches its limit, causing the board to sink deeper and lose its desired riding characteristics.
🏄♂️ Intended Use & Riding Characteristics
The Cruising-Boards are the perfect blend of Allround stability coupled with Touring gliding capabilities, which are particularly suitable for ambitious beginners who need just a single board.
The performance of the paddleboard is also significantly affected by the fin setup, and with the Bluefin Cruise, you have the freedom to choose this:
- The three detachable fins guarantee flip stability and agility.
- A single fin offers better straight-line tracking and lesser resistance, ideal for tours and high speeds.
- In shallow water conditions, using only the smaller side fins is possible.
Moreover, all Bluefin Cruise models can be converted into SUP kayaks, thanks to the side D-rings.
However, an appropriate seat and a double paddle are not included. They need to be purchased separately as part of the Bluefin Cruise Kayak Set. Read our Bluefin Cruise Kayak Set Review here.
Let’s delve into the characteristics of the various lengths:
- Bluefin Cruise 9’8: The most compact model in the lineup. It’s lightweight, agile, and maneuverable. Even smaller and lighter adults, as well as larger children and teenagers, find it very suitable. Its slender design makes achieving a vertical paddle angle much easier for shorter paddlers.
- Bluefin Cruise 10’4: This is longer and slightly broader than the 9’8 model. It offers greater weight capacity and improved straight-line performance. The board is a nifty choice for those seeking more stability. Despite its length, it remains agile enough to ensure a pleasant paddling experience.
- Bluefin Cruise 10’8: The absolute bestseller of the series. It combines stability with smooth gliding. Especially for larger and heavier paddlers, it’s optimal. If you intend to carry additional weight, like a child or a dog, this model is the perfect choice.
- Bluefin Cruise 12’0: This model is designed for long tours. Specifically crafted for extended distances and higher speeds, its 366 cm length ensures efficient and straight gliding. While its size might reduce its agility slightly, its touring capabilities more than compensate for it.
🎨 Design
The Bluefin Cruise stands out in the crowd with six vibrant color options:
- Berry Red
- Gecko Blue
- Legacy Blue
- Miami Pink
- Paddle Purple
- Sunburst Orange
The deck pad, shown in black and grey, features a noticeable double texture from diamond and crocodile-skin texture.
This feature significantly aids in repelling water and offers additional grip. Impacting the sailing characteristics are the properties of various lengths offered.
Overall, The Bluefin Cruise presents a design that matches its performance. The aesthetic and color combinations are significantly more appealing than the former Bluefin Cruise versions, making it a real head-turner. The plethora of color choices lets you pick a style that suits you.
⭐ Features
- Deckpad with Kickpad: The board’s deckpad, made from EVA-foam, is designed with a double texture of diamond and crocodile skin structure. This provides efficient water drainage and gives additional grip. The deckpad has been extended towards the rear to incorporate the valve, allowing more room for paddlers.
- 3 Carry Handles (+ Paddle Holder in the Middle): The middle handle comes with a firm neoprene case that functions as a paddle holder, having a Bluefin rubber patch.
- 5 D-rings: The board comes equipped with five D-rings that serve as attachment points for a range of accessories. The rear D-ring is designed for securing the included coiled leash, while the side rings, labeled with rubber patches, are intended for attaching the kayak seat from the Bluefin Cruise Kayak Kit, adding another dimension to your paddling adventure.
- 3 removable fins: Thanks to the Smartlock system, all three fins can be quickly installed and removed as per the user’s requirement. These shark-shaped fins help in easier navigation and stability during the ride.
- Removable Cargo Net: Located at the front, this net is affixed to four D-rings and features two action-cam holders, enhancing functionality. The net can be quickly removed via a carabiner hook and is ideal for storing gear in a waterproof dry bag, such as Bluefin’s Dri-Tide bag.
- Action Cam Holders: Complementing the two built into the luggage net, there is another mount at the front, giving you three spots for almost any action-cam, a treat for photography enthusiasts and bloggers.
🎒 Accessory
- Bluefin Cruise Manual: A detailed guide about setting up the Bluefin Cruise is included.
- Bluefin Cruise SUP Backpack: The new backpack in black, anthracite, and light blue comes with a large main compartment with adjustable luggage straps and another large front compartment, both with zippers.
It features padded handles and straps for comfortable carrying, and even has a hole for draining water if you pack the board wet. Dimensions: 90 x 46 x 30 cm.
- 3-piece Bluefin Cruise Fiberglass Paddle: This adjustable paddle (175 cm to 210 cm) is made with a fiberglass shaft and sturdy nylon blade and handle. With a weight of 950 g, it’s lightweight and performs better than the aluminum alternatives found with cheaper boards.
- Bluefin Cruise Dual-action Pump: The new “Swift Pro” pump included allows for fast inflation, with a dual-action mode filling most of the volume quickly and a single-action mode for easier pumping as you reach higher pressures. It took us 6:50 to inflate 10’8” model.
- 3 Removable Bluefin Cruise Fins: Easy to install dolphin-shaped fins that secure quickly with a lever, enhancing the board’s performance.
- Bluefin Cruise Coiled Leash: The spiral safety leash can be securely fastened around your ankle or below the knee. This keeps the board close in case you fall into the water.
- Bluefin Cruise Waterproof Phone Case: A waterproof case that keeps your phone safe and dry, allowing touch screen functionality is included.
- Bluefin Cruise Repair Kit: The repair kit includes colour-matched PVC patches, valve wrench, and other essential components needed for minor repairs.
💬 FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Cruise?
It takes between 5-10 minutes to inflate the Bluefin Cruise, depending on the board size.
What pressure should I inflate the Bluefin Cruise to?
Inflate the Bluefin Cruise to a recommended pressure of 15-18 PSI for optimal rigidity
Is the Bluefin Cruise good for beginners?
The Bluefin Cruise is an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its stable design, diverse size options catering to different skill levels, high-quality accessories and versatile features that foster skill growth.
What’s the weight limit of the Bluefin Cruise?
Official weight limits for the Bluefin Cruise are: 9’8” at 286 lbs, 10’4” at 308 lbs, 10’8” at 330 lbs, and 12’0” at 385 lbs. However, for best performance, we recommend: 9’8” for 155-175 lbs, 10’4” for 175-200 lbs, 10’8” for 220-240 lbs, and 12’0” for 265-285 lbs.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Cruise stands as one of the best inflatable paddle boards available on the market today.
We value the company’s dedication to heeding the feedback from customers and reviewers, consistently improving the board year after year.
Offering various size options to accommodate different paddlers, along with a range of color schemes, is a thoughtful touch.
The Bluefin Cruise is a high-quality, durable, and high-performing paddle board suitable for both beginners and intermediate paddlers.
If you are serious about paddle boarding, the Bluefin Cruise — which comes with a 5-year warranty — should be your choice!
