Real-World Testing with Kingfisher Bimini Fabric
One of the most common questions we hear from boat owners is:
Does the colour of a bimini top affect how hot it feels underneath?
It’s a fair question. Dark colours are often assumed to absorb more heat, while lighter colours are believed to keep things cooler. To find out how much difference colour really makes, we carried out a simple real-world test using Kingfisher bimini fabric.
The setup
How We Tested Bimini Fabric Temperature
To keep the results relevant, all samples used in this test were made from the same Kingfisher marine bimini fabric, with colour being the only variable.
Fabric Colours Tested
- Black
- Charcoal
- Silver (the closest available colour to white in the same fabric range)
Test Setup
We built a small frame to hold the fabric samples and measured temperature using probes in two different configurations:
- Probes in direct contact with the fabric
- Probes positioned below the fabric with an air gap
Ambient air temperature was recorded before testing began to establish a baseline.
All samples were tested under the same sun exposure and environmental conditions.
(Ignore the flood warning in the following photo — it missed us this time.)
Test 1: Temperature with Probes Touching the Fabric
In the first test, the temperature probes were placed directly against the fabric surface.
Results
- All fabric colours recorded temperatures higher than the ambient air temperature
- Darker colours were slightly warmer when touched directly
This result was expected, as direct contact allows heat to transfer from the fabric to the probe.
That gave us some interesting numbers, with all the fabric colours higher than the air temperature.
Test 2: Temperature Under the Bimini with an Air Gap
Next, we introduced an air gap of 90mm between the fabric and the temperature probe.
This simulates real-world bimini use, where the fabric sits above your head rather than touching it.
Results
- All fabric colours produced the same shaded temperature
- The probe in direct sunlight measured significantly hotter
- Fabric colour made no measurable difference to the temperature under the bimini
The result was a little surprising
What the Results Mean for Bimini Owners
The takeaway is simple:
When using Kingfisher bimini fabric with a proper air gap, the colour of the fabric does not affect the temperature underneath.
In real-world boating conditions:
- You are not touching the bimini fabric
- There is airflow and space between the fabric and your head
- Shade temperature is determined by blocking direct sunlight, not fabric colour
Why We Recommend Charcoal Bimini Fabric
We chose charcoal for our Kingfisher Bimini’s because it offers practical long-term benefits:
- Maintains a clean, “new” appearance longer than black
- Shows less dirt, salt, and fading than lighter colours
- Provides the same thermal performance as lighter fabrics when used correctly
If comfort under shade is your main concern, colour choice should be based on appearance and durability, not temperature.
Final Thoughts: Bimini Fabric Colour vs Heat
Based on our testing:
- Fabric colour only affects temperature when you are touching it
- With normal bimini installation, colour has no impact on shaded temperature
- Kingfisher bimini fabric performs consistently across colours
We hope this clears up the confusion around bimini fabric colour and heat and helps you choose the right option with confidence.
