Cruiser 14.8
This lightweight, performance pack boat masterfully combines length, volume, and stability, to create the most versatile and popular pack boat Swift has ever designed. If you spend your backcountry adventures travelling light and fast the Cruiser 14.8 provides the speed of a touring kayak with the volume of a solo canoe, allowing you to pack without worry and portage with ease. Offering mid-range volume coupled with exceptional speed, the Cruiser 14.8 bears a design signature unlike anything on the market. Tucked-in gunnels at the forefront of the paddling station provide water access like a C1 racing canoe for maximum efficiency, and a rounded hull with a modern raised bow create stability comparable to a touring or recreational kayak. Snappy on the turn when leaned over in tight quarters, and more than capable if the waves come up, the Cruiser 14.8 is designed to handle whatever your adventures may entail.
Ideal For; Multi Day Tripping, Day Tripping, Fitness Paddling, Easy Portaging, Effortless Car Topping
Standard Options: Carbon Kevlar Trim, Carbon Seat Base, Cherry Handles & Thwarts and Carbon Decks, High Back Seat with Lumbar Support, Adjustable Kayak Foot Braces
- Optimum Load Range: 140 - 280 lbs
- Industry Capacity: 400 lbs
Specifications
- Length: 14'8"
- Gunwale Width: 23.5"
- Maximum Width: 27.5"
- Waterline Width: 25"
- Centre Depth: 11"
- Bow Rocker: 2"
- Stern Rocker: 1"
Laminates & Weights
Carbon Kevlar Trim
- Kevlar Fusion 26 lbs.
- Expedition Kevlar 27 lbs.
- Carbon Fusion 24 lbs.
- Expedition Carbon 26 lbs.
Read more about our trim systems
My Go To Boat
I received a 14.8 pack pack as a gift from my husband. It was a complete surprise as I never knew I wanted one as I had a kayak that I used routinely. Well, fast forward a couple of months and the pack boat is all I ever use now. It is super light and easy for me to put in an out of the water. It tracks and handles well. Everyone who has tried it loves it. I can use it, with confidence, in the windiest of days. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Bill and Carmen for your help!
Paddling novice - Great experience
I love this boat, I have researched this asked outfitters questions that have these units on rent. Watched countless you tube videos. Today I stopped my Swift Algonquin they held a cruiser 14.8 on hold,
Carmen was extremely helpful from confirming that this boat is a great fit for me in the area that I paddle in, to choosing the correct length and style of paddle. Extremely knowledgeable people.
Perfect Solo Boat
I picked up a Cruiser 14.8 in Kevlar Fusion in October 2022 – thanks to Carmen for her help. This boat is everything I was looking for. Paddles like a touring kayak (quick, nimble and amazing in headwinds – cuts through the water) + the functionality of a tripping canoe. It really is the best of both worlds.
If you’re someone who wants effeciency and paddling performance but still have the utility and ability to do multi-day interior trips – this is the boat for you. I love it. Looking forward to many more trips.
My Cruiser 14.8 makes adventuring easy!
In August 2020 I picked up my Cruiser 14.8 in kevlar fusion from the Swift Algonquin Store and I am currently in my third canoe season with it. To start, the customer service I received there was fantastic. My cruiser has given me the ability to get around easily on backcountry adventures. As I am often solo, I am able to single carry it on long portages and I can easily load it on my vehicle . With lightweight gear I have packed it for trips up to 8 days. It paddles like a dream, moving quickly and tracking straight. It has handled well in windy conditions. It has held up well to all of the beaver dams and tricky landings.. It was a dream purchase for me and one that I continue to be very happy with !
Paddling Bliss
I’m 61. I solo load my boats onto (and off of) a pickup truck. I would say this boat is worth its weight in gold but that phrase might be misleading, as the boat carries like a feather. It’s so danged light (I have the carbon fusion lay-up). I love it!! I’ve been paddling sea kayaks for 35 years and feel that this hull performs as well as any other boats I’ve had. It’s agile, stabile, has good carrying capacity and although not quite as speedy as one of my longer boats, it’s certainly no slouch. I’ve now had it in lakes, lazy rivers, swamps and salt marshes and it’s been a pleasure to paddle in all of these environments. In winds up to 15 knots (the highest I’ve been in with this boat), it shows little tendency to weather-cock. Just a really well-designed boat. And a looker to boot!