# Fenn Bluefin

> Surfski by Fenn, out of production. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-bluefin/
> Cite as: Fenn Bluefin, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-bluefin/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.78 m
- Beam: 53 cm
- Deck height: 34 cm
- Layup weights: Glass 14 kg, Vacuum 11.5 kg, Carbon 10.5 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 8–10 out of 10 (dimension estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 4 out of 10.

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 89–104 kg, broader estimated guide 73–108 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Flat water and small-to-moderate ocean swell; forgiving in chop but reviewers note the stock rudder is undersized for bigger runners.

## Hull
Wide, flat, high-volume hull with a kayak-like mid-section behind the cockpit that tapers to a normal ski stern; shallow rocker and a generous 44cm cockpit for comfort and secondary stability rather than outright glide.

## What works
- Exceptional primary and secondary stability
- Light for a beginner ski (10.5-14kg depending on layup)
- Handles small-moderate surf and swell well despite beginner tag
- Roomy comfortable cockpit for long paddles

## Trade-offs
- Slowest Fenn on flat water
- Stock rudder too small for bigger following seas (upgrade recommended)
- Outgrown quickly by paddlers progressing to racing

## Generations
- 2012-2016 (original hull): First-gen entry-level Fenn, wide flat hull, marketed as sea-kayak-to-surfski transition craft. Superseded by Bluefin S / current 'Blue Fin' around 2016-17.

## What paddlers say
- "The Blue-Fin has stability in spades and not once did I feel the need to brace... super-stable alright, in spades" - Mick Rees, FatPaddler.com review
- "The bluefin is a true beginners boat. Very very stable... It has a wide flat hull which is very different from the XT" - surfski.info forum thread on Fenn Bluefin

## Sources
- https://www.fennkayaks.com/products/surfskis/single/fennix-blue-fin/
- https://fatpaddler.com/2013/04/surfski-review-fenn-blue-fin-beginners-ocean-racing-ski/
- https://surfski.info (forum thread, Fenn Bluefin review, Nov 2012)
- https://www.paddleshop.com.au/?s=fenn

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/fenn-bluefin/#buy