Since beginning our paddle board journey in 2016, we have reviewed more than 100 boards, but the Bluefin Voyage stands out from the crowd.
This unique board offers versatility and stability, making it perfect for newcomers and experienced SUP users alike.
While some compromises in performance have been made for adaptability, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Let’s dive into our Bluefin Voyage 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 | Allround |
| Maximum Paddler Weight | approx. 100 kg (220 lbs) |
| Length | 330 cm (10’10”) |
| Width | 99 cm (38″) |
| Thickness | 16 cm (6″) |
| Volume* (estimated) | Not specified |
| Weight | 17.6 kg (38.8 lbs) |
| Accessories | Manual Transport Backpack Double-Action Air Pump with Pressure Gauge 3 removable Fins (Smartlock System) 4-piece Paddle Coiled Leash (spiral safety line) 2 Fishing Rod Holders Cooler with Foldable Backrest and Accessories Kayak Seat Waterproof Phone Case Repair Kit |
🔄 How did the Bluefin Voyage change over time?
The Bluefin Voyage has undergone several changes and improvements since its initial release, enhancing its performance and versatility for paddlers.
- Design and Features: The Bluefin Voyage now boasts a more robust and reinforced nose, separate air chambers in the rails for improved stability, and a wider and more kippstable construction. This makes it suitable for a variety of activities such as whitewater adventures, SUP kayaking, yoga, fitness, and angling.
- Board Configurations: Along with the standard stand-up paddleboarding setup, the Voyage can now be converted into a SUP kayak with the included kayak seat, and it also comes with two fishing rod holders and a versatile cooler with a foldable backrest for anglers.
- Accessories: The accessory package has been expanded to include a waterproof phone case, coiled leash, and comprehensive repair kit.
- Finnen SetUp: The new Bluefin Voyage features a versatile 2+1 fin setup that allows for adjustable fin configurations, ensuring better performance in different paddling conditions.
- Guarantee: With a strong emphasis on quality and durability, Bluefin now offers an impressive 5-year warranty on their SUP boards and kayaks, along with a 60-day return policy.
👍👎 Pro & Con
Pros
- Extremely versatile usage: touring, yoga, kayaking, and fishing
- Extraordinarily stable, suitable for beginners
- 3 separate air chambers for added safety
- High-quality accessories, including fishing rod holders and cool box
- Action-cam holder for recording adventures
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for long distances or speed due to the wide construction
- Heavier weight at 17.6 kg
🛠 Built & Material
The Bluefin Voyage features an innovative design, with three separate air chambers for added safety and stability. These chambers ensure that even if one part of the board gets damaged, it will still remain buoyant and functional.
The outer layer of the board is made from double-layer PVC with reinforced rails, adding to the overall strength and durability of the board. The board’s core utilizes a drop-stitch construction with 11,200 threads per square meter, resulting in superior stiffness and weight capacity.
Despite its remarkable stability and durability, the Bluefin Voyage weighs in at 17.6 kg, making it slightly heavier than some competing models. However, this higher weight is justified by the versatile usage and numerous additional features it offers.
⚖️ Weight Limit
Bluefin provides the following weight limit for the Bluefin Voyage:
- Official Maximum Weight Limit: 180 kg (396 lbs)
However, for the best riding experience, we don’t recommend pushing this weight limit to its maximum. Our recommended weight limit for optimal use is:
- Recommended Maximum Weight Limit: 100 kg (220 lbs)
The Bluefin Voyage Board is known for its rigidity and durability among inflatable SUPs, even at the maximum recommended weight limit. However, 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 Bluefin Voyage is a versatile paddleboard that provides all-around performance while still offering specialized features for fishing, yoga, and fitness enthusiasts, as well as kayak conversions. Its riding characteristics are significantly affected by the shape, size, and build of the paddleboard, making it suitable for various uses.
The Bluefin Voyage measures 330 cm (10’10”) in length and 99 cm (38″) in width, providing excellent stability and balance for beginner and advanced paddlers alike. The board’s unique design includes curved side rails, a pointed and reinforced nose, and a straight tail, providing stability, maneuverability, and gliding efficiency.
The Voyage comes with a 2+1 fin setup, allowing users to choose between:
- Three detachable fins, ensure optimal stability and agility for all-around use and fishing adventures.
- A single fin setup, offering better straight-line tracking and less resistance, is ideal for touring and high-speed runs.
- Only using the smaller side fins, suitable for shallow water conditions.
The Bluefin Voyage also comes with various features that cater to different activities, such as a kayak seat for easy conversion, 7 D-rings for attaching various accessories, and an action camera mount. With its abundant features and accessories, the Bluefin Voyage is the perfect choice for those seeking a versatile paddleboard for various adventures with an emphasis on activities like fishing and yoga.
Due to its size and width, the Bluefin Voyage may not be ideal for those looking to cover long distances at high speeds, as it sacrifices some straight-line gliding efficiency for stability and multi-function use. However, the paddleboard’s impressive stability and versatility make it a great choice for beginner to advanced paddlers, who want to experience various facets of stand-up paddling, all in one board.
🎨 Design
The Bluefin Voyage features a beautiful color combination of various shades of blue, gray, black, and white. The deck pad, which showcases a mix of gray and black, boasts a double texture made from diamond and crocodile skin patterns.
This design significantly helps with water repulsion and provides additional grip for the paddler. The Bluefin logo is displayed prominently at the front of the board, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Overall, the Bluefin Voyage presents a visually striking and balanced design, making it an attractive option for paddleboard enthusiasts.
⭐ Features
- Multiple Air Chambers: The Bluefin Voyage boasts three separate air chambers, offering enhanced stability and safety. In the event of damage, these chambers ensure that the board remains buoyant and usable.
- Enhanced Nose: The board’s nose is reinforced with a durable plastic cap, providing additional robustness and enhancing its glide performance in various water conditions.
- Double-Textured Deckpad: Featuring both a diamond and crocodile-skin structure, the non-slip EVA deck pad offers excellent grip and water drainage for paddlers.
- 7 D-rings: These strategically placed rings offer multiple attachment points for various accessories, such as the included kayak seat and cooling box.
- 5 Carry Handles: Including a central handle with a built-in paddle holder, these comfortable and conveniently placed handles make carrying and maneuvering the board a breeze.
- Quick-Release Fin System: The Smartlock system makes it easy to install or remove the board’s three fins as needed, adapting to various conditions and paddler preferences.
- Action Cam Holder: Located at the front of the board, this holder allows for hassle-free mounting of action cameras, capturing all of your water adventures.
- 2 Fishing Rod Holders: Designed for those who enjoy fishing while paddleboarding, these rod holders can be easily attached to designated mounting points on the board’s deck.
🎒 Accessory
- Bluefin Voyage Manual: A comprehensive guide to setting up and safely using the Bluefin Voyage is included to ensure a smooth experience for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
- Bluefin Voyage SUP Backpack: The matching backpack is made with high-quality materials and features a spacious main compartment with adjustable luggage straps, as well as a large front compartment. Both have sturdy zippers for secure storage. Padded handles and straps make for comfortable carrying, and a drainage hole ensures any water from a wet board is released. Dimensions: 90 x 46 x 30 cm.
- 4-piece Bluefin Voyage Fiberglass Paddle: This adjustable paddle (170 cm to 220 cm) is constructed with a fiberglass shaft, a durable blade, and a handle. The paddle combines stability and lightweight performance that surpasses standard aluminum options.
- Bluefin Voyage Dual-action Pump: The included pump enables fast inflation in both dual-action mode for rapid filling and single-action mode for easier pumping as higher pressures are reached. Expect to have the board inflated and ready in about 8-10 minutes.
- 3 Removable Bluefin Voyage Fins: Featuring a simple Smart-Lock-System, these fins are easy to install and remove, enhancing the board’s performance and adaptability for various conditions.
- Bluefin Voyage Coiled Leash: The spiral safety leash ensures the board stays close in case of a fall, securely fastening around your ankle or below the knee for optimum comfort and safety.
- 2x Bluefin Voyage Fishing Rod Holders: These adjustable rod holders are easily installed on the board, allowing for hands-free fishing and enhancing your angling experience on the water.
- Bluefin Voyage Cooler Box: This multi-functional cooler box not only keeps your catch and food cold, but it also serves as a convenient seat with an adjustable backrest, providing ample storage for bait, tackle, and other angling equipment.
- Bluefin Voyage Kayak Seat: Easily attachable to the board’s D-rings, this padded seat transforms the Bluefin Voyage into a versatile SUP kayak for added enjoyment on the water.
- Bluefin Voyage Waterproof Phone Case: Keep your phone protected and functional with this waterproof phone case, allowing for touchscreen use and secure storage while out on the water.
- Bluefin Voyage Repair Kit: This essential repair kit includes color-matched PVC patches, a valve wrench, and other necessary components for minor repairs, ensuring your board stays in top condition.
💬 FAQ
How long does it take to inflate the Bluefin Voyage?
It takes approximately 5-8 minutes to inflate the Bluefin Voyage, using the included dual-action air pump.
What pressure should I inflate the Bluefin Voyage to?
The recommended pressure for the Bluefin Voyage is 15-18 PSI for the central air chamber and 3 PSI for each of the two rail chambers. Please always inflate the central air chamber first!
Is the Bluefin Voyage good for beginners?
Yes, the Bluefin Voyage is great for beginners, offering exceptional stability, versatile usage, and high-quality accessories, making it suitable for various skill levels.
What’s the weight limit of the Bluefin Voyage?
The official weight limit is 180 kg (396 lbs), but for the best riding experience, it is recommended not to exceed 100 kg (220 lbs).
Conclusion
The Bluefin Voyage emerges as an incredibly versatile paddleboard, perfect for various aquatic activities like fishing, yoga, and kayaking.
Its impressive stability and multiple air chambers make it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Though not the fastest for long distances, the abundant features and accessories included more than compensate for this.
Coupled with a visually striking design and a 5-year warranty, the Bluefin Voyage is a reliable and worthwhile investment for those looking to explore a range of stand-up paddling experiences.
