Bimini, Kayak Sunshade | Hobie

Industrial Design | UX Design| Sourcing

Professional shots and studios, by Jeffery Fortuna.

User Needs. Our customers requested an interfacing solution with our kayaks for protection from the sun.

Solution. A sunshade aka “Bimini” that fits all Hobie roto-molded and thermo-formed kayak models.

Concept.

Compact & Lightweight
Tool-Free Assembly
Quick Installation
Easily Collapsible on the Water, for Safety

Prototype.

I built 3 prototypes that were tested on and off, throughout the year (2017-2018). I sewed a covering using Sunbrella fabric, sourced 8mm fiberglass tent poles, and 3D printed connection parts that gave the Bimini structure.

Design for Manufacture.

I optimized each part to be manufactured efficiently. Designed in Solidworks, 3D files of individual parts were compiled into a final assembly. 2D manufacturing prints called out specific dimensions and tolerances.

Color Material Finish.

Worked cross-functional with design, marketing, and manufacturing to bring three colorway options for the Bimini. Responsible for curating different colorways using cohesive materials and finishes across injection molded textures and resins, anodized 7000 series aluminum, lightweight UPF blocking fabrics, and corrosive-resistant stainless steel hardware. Communicated CMF development through hi-fidelity rendering with internal stakeholders and manufacturing.

Production.

The 1st PO consisted of 1500 blue, 1500 gray, and 1500, yellow units. 10+ units had small failures where the ferrule would come loose from the tent pole. The failure was fixed by the 2nd PO. Biminis continue to sell successfully with no failures.

Adjustability as the sun moves for maximum sun protection at all hours of the day.

Set Up.

Take the Bimini out of the bag and un-wrap the cover from around the poles.

Push the over center cross support toward the back of the Bimini to open the top cover.

Secure the hook on the bottom of the tensioning lines the two back most padeye(s) or bungee lines on your Hobie Kayak.

Clip the buckle on the mast connector and pull tension.

Adjust the height and tension of the Bimini with the line sliders.

Side to side articulation. Reduce downward tension to swing the cover to the left or right side.

Resume downward tension to hold cover in place.

Sales.

Poseidon

2019: 1259 Units
2020: 1078 Units
2021: 1138 Units
Total: 3475 Units
Revenue: $170,434
Fog

2019: 1514 Units
2020: 1542 Units
2021: 1412 Units
Total: 4468 Units
Revenue: $220,474
Daffodil

2019: 287 Units
2020: 729 Units
2021: 546 Units
Total: 1562 Units
Revenue: $86,057