The Bluefin Cruise Tandem from the English quality manufacturer Bluefin SUP is the largest board of the very popular Bluefin Cruise series and optimally suited for use as a tandem SUP board.
The standard version of the Cruise paddleboarding is available in 4 different sizes (Junior 8’/10’8″/12’/15′).
In this review, I tested the Bluefin Cruise 15′ tandem variant and the extensive accessories of the board in all details for you.
Take a look at our video review of the Bluefin Cruise Tandem:
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is one of the best paddleboards for two persons, which you can actually use for mid-range or long paddle tours with two full-grown adults on one paddleboard. However, you can also paddle this beast solo (obviously, it tracks super well). Also, the board is very well-built, very stable, got lots of features, comes with two sets of gear (including 2 kayak seats) and a five-year warranty.
Table of Contents
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In terms of outline, with its pointed nose and straight tail, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem fits best into the touring board category. However, when looking at the dimensions, it quickly becomes clear that the manufacturer has designed a really big board here in all dimensions.
With its dimensions of 15′ x 36″ x 6″, the board is perfect for use by 2 people (possibly even more). The width surpasses even allrounder boards by lengths and offers a very high tipping stability.
The board is equipped with 3 removable fins (2+1), they can be attached very quickly by clicking them into the rail. Bluefin calls this patented mechanism “Smart-Lock-System”.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem comes with the following accessories: 2 fiberglass paddles (incl. kayak extension), 2 kayak seats, coiled leash (spiral safety line), backpack, reversible double action air pump, repair kit, waterproof smartphone case.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem Review in Detail
In the following part of the review, I go into more detail about the board and the included accessories. At the end of the article, I answer frequently asked questions.
If any other questions come up, feel free to leave me a comment. I will try to answer you as soon as possible!
Product Specifications
| Board Type | Inflatable |
| Brand | Bluefin |
| Skill | Beginner |
| Area of Application | Touring |
| Length | 15 ft |
| Width | 36 inches |
| Thickness | 6 inches |
| Volume | – |
| Weight | 44 lbs |
| Accessories | Instruction manual, SUP backpack, reversible double stroke air pump, 3 removable fins (smartlock system), 2 fiberglass paddles (incl. kayak extension), 2 kayak seats, coiled leash (spiral safety line), repair kit, waterproof smartphone case |
Construction
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem corresponds with its contour to a touring board with significantly extended dimensions. It is therefore perfectly suited as a paddle boarding tandem.
The board has a single air chamber. Unfortunately, Bluefin does not provide any exact information regarding the volume. According to experience, however, it should be well over 500 liters. This ensures an impressively high buoyancy and is the basic requirement to achieve a good performance even with 2 people on the paddle boarding.
Bluefin relies on 3 removable fins for the fin setup, which can be mounted and removed in seconds via the Smartlock system. You can find out more about the possibilities this offers in the section “Areas of application and riding characteristics”.
The thickness of 6 inches is above average and in combination with the high volume leads to a very good stiffness of the board. With 2 people, the strength of a board is incomparably more important than with only one paddler.
Viewed from the side, one notices that the board tip is very slightly bent upwards. This is called “Noserocker”. This makes the board glide better over the water and the tip does not sink so easily in waves.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is one of the best paddleboards for two persons, which you can actually use for mid-range or long paddle tours with two full-grown adults on one paddleboard. However, you can also paddle this beast solo (obviously, it tracks super well). Also, the board is very well-built, very stable, got lots of features, comes with two sets of gear (including 2 kayak seats) and a five-year warranty.
Load Capacity
Due to the very high volume, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem has an impressive maximum load of 530 lbs. This should be sufficient even for 2 stable paddlers, or even for parents including a child.
Areas of Application and Driving Characteristics
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is designed in every detail for simultaneous use by several people. Its high stiffness and the large buoyancy form the necessary basis. If the board were too soft, the paddlers would constantly influence each other negatively through their movements.
Thus, a paddle boarding tour for two possibly even plus child or dog and luggage nothing stands in the way. Logically, the board with its immense dimensions is not the most maneuverable, but it offers a very high tilt stability and runs very true to track. Perfect for extensive trips on canals and lakes with a calm surface.
Due to the drive of 2 people, a good speed is achieved, even if naturally greater resistance must be overcome here due to the dimensions than with a narrow touring board. The more coordinated the paddlers work together, the better the performance of the board. Practice makes perfect!
The board is also still reasonably well suited for use by one person. However, compared to the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 or similar length boards, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem is much less maneuverable. With the kickpad, however, the board can be turned on the spot.
In a way, the Bluefin Cruise Tandem rides like a slower touring board. Due to the length, it has a really good straight line, but with the width of 36 inches, the board slows down much faster than narrow touring or race paddle boards.
On the subject of running behavior, however, it must also be noted that all 3 fins are now removable on this board. This gives you the additional opportunity to influence the driving characteristics by varying the setup in the desired direction. So you can tune the board to different areas of use and react to changing conditions.
The classic 3 fin setup (2+1) has the consequence that the tipping stability and also the maneuverability are more pronounced. For beginners and for unspecific use, this is usually the best option.
If you are going on a tour, you can also remove the two small side fins and paddle only with a single fin. This increases the straight-line stability and keeps the board more stable in the track. As a result, you can also reach higher speeds, since you don’t have to change sides as often and can ultimately realize a faster, very dynamic paddling rhythm.
Of course, it is also possible to mount only the side fins. This reduces the draft to the maximum, which can be advantageous on shallow river sections, for example, to avoid damage. With this setting, however, the board no longer has good guidance and steering becomes more difficult…as soon as conditions allow it again, you should go back to 3 fins!
Material and Weight
The material construction of the Bluefin Cruise Tandem is called “Double-Layer-Dropstitch”. This means that the outer shell is made of 2 laminated layers of PVC (Double-Layer). The rails (sides) are also made of 2 layers, so they are robust against possible damage and support the stiffness of the board.
The PVC used is of very high quality (military grade) and UV-resistant coated. In the core, many polyester threads are very tightly interwoven (dropstitch) to achieve increased strength. These are good conditions for durability.
The total weight of the set is around 55 lbs, this is completely understandable given the dimensions and the material, but it also represents a major challenge for many users in terms of handling. Another point in favor of use by two paddlers!
Workmanship
In terms of workmanship, Bluefin’s boards are undoubtedly in the top range. Glue residues and other signs of a cost-optimized manufacturing method I have not yet discovered on any board. Even in small details such as the border of the D-rings, you can see the quality of the manufacturer.
The materials are consistently designed for robustness and durability and very high quality workmanship.
Design
In the new model, the design of the footprint has been revised. The deckpad is now designed in a dark anthracite and black with graduated stripes in matching colors. Furthermore, the name and size of the board are shown on it in white and blue.
The basic colors of the board are white and various shades of blue. In the area of the top, the manufacturer has applied its logo. The underside is white and has a blue design band running down the middle with the Bluefin SUP lettering.
The surrounding rails are also blue and labeled with the manufacturer’s name. To me, the design makes a really sporty impression and especially the underside strongly reminds of a surfboard.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is one of the best paddleboards for two persons, which you can actually use for mid-range or long paddle tours with two full-grown adults on one paddleboard. However, you can also paddle this beast solo (obviously, it tracks super well). Also, the board is very well-built, very stable, got lots of features, comes with two sets of gear (including 2 kayak seats) and a five-year warranty.
Other Features
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem has the following additional features:
- Deckpad: The standing surface made of anti-slip EVA has a diamond embossing with additional crocodile skin structure and thus ensures first-class grip.
- 10 D-rings: one ring on the action cam mount, one ring on the tail (for the leash) and 8 D-rings to attach the kayak seats. The bonded areas of the D-rings are neatly sealed by labeled rubber outlines.
- 7 Carrying loops: In the middle of the board is the central carrying loop, 4 more are attached to the left and right of the deck pad and one each at the nose and tail.
- Luggage net: In the front area there is an integrated deck net. Here you can safely stow equipment or provisions.
- 3 removable fins: Both the center fin and the small side fins are removable (Smartlock system).
- Kickpad: The deckpad is raised in the rear area. If you shift your weight to this point, the tip lifts a little bit and you can turn or steer better.
- Action cam mount: You can mount your action cam in the front area. The mount is compatible with many models
Accessories
The tested Bluefin Cruise Tandem comes with the following accessories:
- Bluefin Cruise Tandem SUP Backpack: The matching color backpack with exterior pocket and solid zippers has a high-quality finish and features a carrying loop and wide, comfortably padded straps. Dimensions: 40 x 15 x 12 inches (volume: 111 liters)
- 2x Bluefin Cruise Tandem fiberglass paddles: The two included paddles are continuously adjustable from 5.5 – 7.2 ft. The shaft is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) and the paddle blades are made of plastic (PU). By using glass fibers, you get a lightweight yet durable paddle. The stand-up paddle can be quickly and easily transformed into a kayak paddle, because the 2nd paddle blade is included.
- 2x Bluefin Cruise Tandem Kayak Seat: The kayak seats easily attach to the designated and labeled D-rings next to the deck pad. Conversion to a paddle boarding kayak is thus quick and easy.
- Switchable Bluefin Cruise Tandem double action air pump with pressure indicator: The set includes a double action air pump with pressure gauge. With this you can pump air into the board both when pulling up and when pushing down. When it gets heavier and heavier, you simply switch to single action mode and save a lot of power.
- 3 Removable Bluefin Cruise Tandem Fins: The center fin and side fins attach in seconds by latching into the rail (Smart-Lock system). This has the advantage of speed compared to the US box system (with screw and threaded plate). However, also the disadvantage that there is not so much choice from other manufacturers to retrofit another fin!
- Bluefin Cruise Tandem Coiled-Leash: The included leash (safety leash) has a strong Velcro to connect you to the board at the ankle. The spiral-shaped leash (coiled-leash), which stretches to the complete length when falling into the water, prevents the board from drifting without you. Please never ride without a leash…it’s your life insurance in case of doubt!
- Bluefin Cruise Tandem Repair Kit: With this small kit made of PVC foil and special glue, you can repair small damages on the board yourself.
Bluefin Cruise Tandem waterproof smartphone case: Nice gimmick to protect your smartphone from water damage.
FAQ
How much PSI should the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ be inflated to?
The recommended pressure is 15-18 PSI. This is equivalent to a little over 1 bar. However, due to the high quality craftsmanship, Bluefin boards can withstand up to 28 PSI!
Learn more about the Bluefin Cruise Tandem.
Is the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ also suitable for beginners?
Yes, the board is suitable for any beginner with its design and width.
Learn more about the Bluefin Cruise Tandem.
Is the Bluefin Cruise Tandem 15′ also suitable for beginners?
Due to the very large volume, it will surely take you around 10 minutes with the included pump. Learn more about the Bluefin Cruise Tandem.
Conclusion
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is a very successful tandem paddle boarding with good running characteristics and a large space for 2 or more people. The Bluefin Cruise Tandem can also be interesting for stocky paddlers who weigh over 120 kilograms and would therefore overload the vast majority of other paddle boards. However, those who weigh less and want to paddle mostly solo should rather go for the Bluefin Cruise 10’8 or 12′ or a touring board like the Bluefin Sprint.
The excellent quality and workmanship of the board and accessories is in the top range. Especially the stiffness of the Bluefin boards convinces me every time. Basically, the Bluefin paddle boarding are no bargains, but real price / performance winners.
This purchase argument speaks very much in favor of Bluefin, so you have a long time of fun with the paddle boarding and save yourself a lot of trouble and multiple investments. In addition, Bluefin scores with a good customer service (unfortunately in English), which responds reliably within 24 hours on weekdays.
If you want this board in even higher quality, then I would like to mention at this point that the Bluefin Cruise series is also available in the Bluefin Cruise Carbon variant.
The Bluefin Cruise Tandem is one of the best paddleboards for two persons, which you can actually use for mid-range or long paddle tours with two full-grown adults on one paddleboard. However, you can also paddle this beast solo (obviously, it tracks super well). Also, the board is very well-built, very stable, got lots of features, comes with two sets of gear (including 2 kayak seats) and a five-year warranty.
