Stainless Bimini Top Corner Fitting with Eye – Ø22 mm Tube

This 90-degree Bimini Top Fitting with Ring (Eval 02410) is a high-quality component for building or repairing boat canopies and railings. It serves as a corner joint connecting two round tubes at a right angle (forming an “L” shape), while also featuring a welded eyelet ring on the corner. The ring (eye) is extremely useful – it acts as an anchor point for various purposes, such as attaching support straps, securing canvas tie-downs, or hooking up bimini tensioning straps/springs. In essence, this fitting combines two functions: it’s a structural corner and an attachment eye in one piece.

Compatibility: The fitting is designed for Ø22 mm tubing, which is a standard diameter for many small boat bimini tops, sprayhood frames, dodgers, and rail systems (7/8″ is the imperial equivalent, commonly used in marine applications). It will accept two tubes of 22 mm OD (one in each leg of the fitting). Typically, one leg of the fitting is inserted onto the end of a horizontal canopy bow, and the other leg onto a vertical or angled support tube, making a rigid 90° turn. The integrated ring is positioned at the outer corner of the joint.

Material & Finish: Fabricated from AISI 316 stainless steel, this corner fitting is built to last in the marine environment. Unlike plastic or zinc fittings, it won’t crack under stress or degrade from UV exposure and salt. The surface is mirror-polished, giving a gleaming look that matches other stainless deck hardware. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the polishing and 316-grade steel mean excellent resistance to corrosion – even if used on saltwater boats, it will maintain its strength and appearance over time. The one-piece solid construction (the eye is welded seamlessly to the elbow) ensures there are no weak points.

Installation: Installing the fitting is straightforward. Each leg of the elbow has a through-hole for a set screw or rivet. You simply slide the fitting onto the ends of the two tubes forming the corner of your frame. Align the ring as needed (usually facing outward or inward depending on your strap routing), then secure the fitting by drilling a small pilot hole through the pre-cast holes into the tube, and driving a stainless set screw. Alternatively, you can use pop rivets for a permanent bond (common in bimini manufacturing). Once fastened, the joint is very strong and will not rotate or come loose. The integrated ring typically swivels not (it’s fixed in place as part of the casting/weld) – instead, your strap hook or shackle you attach can pivot around it. The ring’s inner diameter is sized to accommodate standard strap hooks, carabiners, or even rope ties.

Applications: There are numerous uses for this fitting on board:

• Bimini Tops & Sun Canopies: Most bimini frames have four corner fittings connecting the bows and support legs. Using stainless ones like this dramatically increases the frame’s robustness. The rings on the corners are often used to clip the adjustable straps that hold the bimini taut and secure it to the deck. When you open or fold the bimini, these straps and their attachment points are crucial – a strong ring that won’t bend or break gives peace of mind, especially in windy conditions.
• Sprayhoods / Dodgers: Small sailboats and powerboats with sprayhoods (dodgers) can use these at the corners of the windshield frame, providing an attachment for the canvas or window tension lines.
• Rails and Handholds: On some boats, 22 mm stainless tubing is also used for low rails or handhold frames (for example, around center consoles or as part of boarding ladders). A 90° elbow with an eye could allow adding a safety line or hooking on a fender line at the rail corner.
• Custom Projects: If you’re DIY-ing any structure (sunshade, tent, awning, etc.), this piece can help in joining tubes and also giving you a tie-down loop at that junction.

Advantages Over Plastic Fittings: Many factory bimini tops on smaller boats come with plastic (nylon or acetyl) corner fittings. While those are cost-effective, they can deteriorate from UV rays and can crack under sudden load or in cold weather. Replacing them with stainless steel fittings like this is a popular upgrade. You immediately improve the frame’s stability – the metal fitting won’t flex, so your bimini will wobble less. Plus, you eliminate the worry of an old plastic fitting snapping at an inconvenient moment (often when you’re trailering or in rough seas). The stainless fitting also won’t stain or degrade the canvas if it gets hot – whereas old plastic sometimes leaves marks.

In summary, the Eval 90° Stainless Bimini Fitting with Ring is a small but critical part that can significantly enhance the durability and functionality of your boat’s canopy or frame. It combines structural support with a handy attachment point, all in a sleek stainless package. Whether you’re refitting an older frame or assembling a new one, using these fittings ensures your bimini or sprayhood is secured by professional-grade hardware that looks great and performs reliably for years.