Cruiser DFI Electric Surfboard Reviewed in 2025

Rating

• Boat & Sail Magazine Score 4.25/5
• Setup and Riding 4/5
• Engine and Power 5/5
• Cleaning and Maintenance 4/5
• Price/Quality 4/5

Jetsurf Cruiser DFI — Fast and Fun Motorized Jet Board

The Jetsurf Cruiser DFI is one of the jet board company’s latest offerings. It features their powerful and reliable 100 cc engine for maximum fun without the downtime between charges you’d have on an electric board. With the purr of that engine under your feet, you’ll glide across the water on straights up to 35 mph.

But, while stable enough for beginners, this board is sporty enough for carves and sharp turns. It features foot bindings, all-carbon construction, and a quick snap-in fin system for easy mods.

After a week of testing and riding side-by-side with the Jetsurf Electric as well as other awesome boards from Awake and Ravik, for example, we feel the Jetsurf Cruiser represents something different than electric surfboards.

There’s something satisfying about the motor on this board. It’s noise and its responsiveness, reliability signal power. While admittedly dirtier and noisier than quieter electric jetboards, the Cruiser announces itself without disturbing the peace too much.

Still, the experience of grinding into turns and around buoys makes you want to dig in and race. The handle and bindings give good control too.

If there’s something to gripe about, it’s going to be the said noise and emissions and one other thing. For beginners, crawling up and getting your feet into the bindings will take some time. Beyond that, there are so many good engineering aspects along with design features that are packed into a well-built board of quality.

Setup and Riding

As one might imagine, the setup and maintenance of the Cruiser DFI are a little different from the electric surfboards we have previously reviewed. This board has a miniature two-stroke motor built into it, which requires all the things that motors require.

Namely, you need to put gas and oil in it and give it a little love every once in a while. Compared to electric toys, internal combustion engines are less forgiving of neglect, lack of use, or long storage periods.

The newest generation of Jetsurf board includes a tiny alternator, which charges an equally small lithium starting battery. The alternator keeps the battery topped up when the board is running, meaning you should only worry about the starting battery’s state if you’ve had the board in storage for a long time. Jetsurf says it’s the smallest and lightest alternator the industry has ever seen. This alternator is only available on the Cruiser DFI and Adventure DFI+ models.

Getting ready to ride is a matter of removing the engine cover plate and topping up the gas tank. The tiny tank holds about 3/4 a gallon (2.8 liters) of gas. Remember, since this is a two-stroke, you’ll also have to mix in oil. The ratio is 1:50, and Jetsurf requires the use of full-synthetic oils. Once serviced, the engine cover snaps back in place and is secured by four twist locks.

Now you’re ready to ride. To start the board, you insert the kill switch from the wrist lanyard into a special port on the board for three seconds. This activates the start-up sequence, which is completed once you move the kill switch to its normal position on the hand grip.

The Cruiser DFI comes with dual foot bindings. This takes a little getting used to, especially if you’re new to board sports. Experienced snowboarders or wakeboarders will have less trouble, but getting up is a little tougher for a newbie when you must get vertical and get your feet in the bindings.

The bindings are set up for both regular and goofy riders without making any changes.

Once up, riding the Cruiser is worth the effort. The bindings add a sense of security, making slow turns and carving a little easier. With a little more experience, this board can do some jumps—but it is not the best. Consider looking at the Jetsurf Race or Titanium models for advanced intermediate or pro riders.

Controlling the board is another thing that sets the Jetsurf lineup apart from others. The tethered controller is held in your forward hand. As much as the hand controller sends commands to the board, the tether acts as a handle for stability. It’s a nice touch for beginners and simplifies getting up on your first rides—almost like having the tow rope when on a wakeboard. Advanced riders might find the handle a little cluttered and limiting, but it’s easy to get used to.

The magnetic kill switch key goes on a wrist lanyard and attaches to the controller. The trigger on the controller sets your forward speed, or throttle, in this case. You can adjust the length of the handle with a slick adjuster, so it’s easy to change your stance at any time.

Engine and Power

At the heart of all of the Jetsurf motorized surfboards, you’ll find the same 100-cc two-stroke powerplant. The engine is made by MSR Engines, the Czech company that owns Jetsurf. In other words, these engines are purpose-built for the surfboards they power.

To comply with worldwide emissions standards and regulations, MSR fits a digital fuel injection system on their engines. Instead of a carburetor, the DFI system allows for lower emissions, better acceleration and performance, easier maintenance, and better fuel efficiency. The DFI system is standard on all Jetsurf boards sold in the US or the EU European Economic Area.

The engine powers a direct drive jet pump made of carbon fiber with a carbon fiber impeller. A built-in fin forces water into the pump to ensure no power interruptions during carving or when riding in light chop conditions.

Anyone in the market for a motorized surfboard will undoubtedly be intrigued by both the gasoline option from Jetsurf and the many electric surfboards on the market. The Jetsurf Electric is just one example, as there are others like the Radinn and Awake boards.

The internal combustion engine (ICE) comes with its own set of pros and cons. Owning a Jetsurf Cruiser is akin to having the world’s smallest jet ski or perhaps a floating scooter. With it comes all the associated upkeep issues of keeping a small ICE healthy and happy long-term. However, If you do, the board’s resale value is excellent and should last practically forever. It’s also serviceable, with repair parts and service available directly from Jetsurf.

The advantages are plainer for those with issues with the intricacies of owning huge lithium-ion batteries. For one, the longevity of these huge battery packs is a question mark. Lithium batteries last many years—probably decades. But they will need to be replaced at some point, and when they do, it will be a very expensive undertaking.

As the purchaser of a second-hand unit, you’ll only know exactly how good your battery health is once your ride time starts shrinking noticeably. And, of course, there are safety issues with lithium batteries that shouldn’t be overlooked. Unlike every electric surfboard we’ve ever tested, you can put a Jetsurf Cruiser in checked luggage on an airline with no issues. That opens up a lot of new surfing grounds.

The experience of riding this board is different than electric boards, of course. For one thing, there is some engine noise. Electric boards provide a nearly silent riding experience that will appeal to many riders. This one has noise but is less loud than a jet ski or wave runner.

In some ways, it adds to the sportiness of the riding experience. According to Jetsurf, the engine noise is somewhere around 54 decibels. It’s not difficult to converse with another rider nearby—although you’ll have to shout a bit.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Compared to electric boards from Radinn and Awake, Jetsurf boards require a little more cleaning and care.

But, the Cruiser DFI now includes an “easy cleaning adapter,” or ECA. This is simply a plug to install a pressure freshwater hose to force out any gunk the jet may have ingested during your ride. It is an extra step, but it’s a valuable one—especially for riders who frequent salt water or sandy areas.

On the maintenance front, it’s worth noting that internal combustion engines are an entirely different beast than electric motors. Electric motors are, for the most part, completely maintenance-free. Keep them clean and dry, and they’ll last forever. On the other hand, gas engines are a mashup of moving parts that occasionally require a little love. It’s not a deal breaker, but definitely, a consideration if you’re looking to invest this much cash in your next water toy.

Small gas engines can be fickle beasts. They’re sensitive to bad fuel and water contamination in the fuel, depending on their carburetor and filter setups. The Cruiser DFI is fuel injected, which should help a lot. Still, leaving these engines in storage for long periods is not good, and you should always be careful about giving them the cleanest, best fuel you can.

Jetsurf makes getting parts for your board as easy as any online ordering experience can be. Everything is listed on the website, from entire motor and jet assemblies to gaskets and spark plugs.

While they require a little more effort to keep their peak performance, the repairability factor of a small gas engine is great. There’s very little you can’t fix, and the cost of fixing it will likely be less than a whole new electric motor or battery.

Accessories for Your Jetsurf

The Jetsurf Cruiser comes with pretty much everything you’ll need to get started.

There are two interesting accessories, depending on your use case, however. One is the tube. This inflatable ring goes around the board’s edge and adds some buoyancy, making it easier for beginners or youngsters to try jet surfing out. We haven’t tested this but we know from Jetsurf that the tube is compatible with all Jetsurf boards.

If you intend to use your board for long-distance cruising, or it’s on a yacht where it might get used by folks of all experience levels, the tube is a very interesting option. The tube fits all Jetsurf models and turns it into one of the most stable jet-powered surfboards you can find anywhere.

The FCS fin system enables you to quickly and easily change fin configurations. With no tools, they simply snap and lock into place. This enables quick changes on the beach and easy replacement.

Jetsurf Price/Quality

There’s no denying that the Jetsurf Cruiser DFI is a fun but expensive piece of kit. It’s well-built and designed well. The engine does its job and should last for years if it’s looked after. The carbon fiber layup is strong and lightweight. Plus, spare parts are easy to order, and everything is repairable or replaceable.

What’s not to love? It’s an awesome board, but the price tag makes you think twice. When spending this much money, you’ll want to sample all the options. For our money, we like the quiet exhilaration provided by its electric competitors.

Which Jetsurf Board Is Right for You?

Once you’ve settled on a jet board, which one is right for you? Jetsurf’s lineup includes six models, not including the Electric version. Check out their board comparison tool to get the rundown on each one.

First, how they are similar. All combustion engine models (except the Sport) are powered by the same two-stroke, 100 cc engine that runs the same carbon fiber jet pump. They also have the same fuel tank and very similar ranges. Only the Adventure DFI+ and Cruiser DFI have an alternator to recharge the starting battery.

Jetsurf generally differentiates its boards based on the target audience (beginners, intermediate riders, or pros) and the intended uses (performance riding, racing, or long-distance cruising). Most of these differences come down to subtle changes in the board’s design since so many other elements are similar. All Jetsurf boards can carry 264 pounds, and all of the boards are made from 100 percent carbon fiber. Finally, all boards are covered by a 12-month warranty.

Sport DFI — An entry-level model with a lower price point. This model features the MSR 50.2 HSR engine. It does not include an alternator, so manually charging the starting battery is necessary. All accessories, including the bindings, bag, side fins, and toolbag, are sold separately. Note that the company does not include the Sport DFI on the board comparison tool, but it is currently available.

Adventure DFI — The company’s most popular model is good for beginners or intermediate riders; it’s intended for “stability and family fun.” The top speed is 32 mph.

Adventure DFI+ — This upgraded Adventure is made for long-distance cruising. It holds a one-gallon external fuel tank that boosts its range to 180 minutes. Or, the exterior rack can hold 11 pounds of gear. This board also comes with an upgraded travel bag with wheels.

Cruiser DFI — The best of all worlds, in our opinion. It’s rated for beginners or intermediate riders, but it’s also fast and agile. The top speed is 35.5 mph.

Race DFI — For intermediate riders or racers, this board design is optimized for fast turns, racing, and carving.

Titanium DFI — The top-of-the-line board for pro riders. Titanium exhaust and board design give it the highest top-end speed of 40 mph. The lack of a silencer means it’s louder and meaner than the rest. All that power comes at a cost, however. A full tank of fuel only lasts about 40 minutes when you’re blasting around that fast!

Electric — The all-electric version for beginners or intermediate riders. The 3-kilowatt-hour battery provides for about 35 minutes of ride time before you need a recharge. The top speed is 31 mph, but it’s a quiet 31 mph. Jetsurf’s warranty on the battery is only six months.

Do We Recommend the Jetsurf Cruiser DFI?

In general, powered surfboards are a blast. They’re easy to learn, fast, and fun to ride. The Cruiser DFI has some special considerations being that it’s…well, not electric. But it is SO CRAZY FUN!

If you’re into the noise, want the unlimited range without recharging, or just want to be able to pack it on a plane and take off, the Jetsurf is the one to pick.

If you want a jet board to carve and race, you’d be better off looking at the Race or Titanium versions of the Jetsurf.

With all that said, it’s hard not to love the experience the electric boards offer. If you love the Jetsurf’s ride but want the silence and reliability of an electric jet, check out the Jetsurf Electric. If you’re open to other options, consider the Awake Rävik 3 or Radinn Carve as other options.