Stainless Bimini Top End Fitting (Ball Joint Swivel, Ø22mm / Ø25mm)

This stainless steel eye end with a ball joint is a key component for the flexibility and longevity of your boat’s canopy (bimini top). Also known simply as a “eye end fitting” with a ball-and-socket head, it installs at the very end of the aluminum/stainless support tubes that make up the frame of the canopy. What sets this model apart is the spherical ball at its tip, which sits in a corresponding deck or rail mount on the boat (for example, a deck hinge or side bracket). Thanks to this ball-and-socket connection, the canopy’s frame can pivot and move freely as you raise or lower it, preventing the support poles from bending or binding. For instance, when you fold the bimini down, the swivel action absorbs the angle changes instead of transferring stress to the canvas or mounting screws.

The fitting is made of premium AISI 316 stainless steel, polished to a mirror shine. This not only gives it an attractive look but also ensures high corrosion resistance, even if your boat stays in the water continuously or gets doused with salty spray. Over time, this component will not rust, maintaining its strength and keeping your canopy securely attached.

Compatibility & Sizes: Two versions are available – one for Ø22mm tubes and one for Ø25mm tubes. The 22mm diameter (7/8") is standard for most small to medium bimini tops (e.g., on inflatables, smaller powerboats up to ~5 m), whereas the 25mm diameter (1") is found on larger or heavy-duty tops (for instance, on yachts, pontoon boats, or vessels 5–8+ m). Choosing the correct size ensures a snug fit of the fitting inside your frame tube. Typically, it’s secured with a stainless screw or clevis pin that goes through a pre-drilled hole in the eye end and tube – this guarantees the end fitting won’t pull out or rotate inside the tube under load.

Functionality: The spherical joint allows the canopy to articulate in all directions. For example, when you raise or lower the bimini, the eye ends swivel in their deck mounts, enabling smooth movement without bending the brackets or loosening screws. Likewise, if the canopy attaches to surfaces that are not perfectly flat or aligned, these swivel fittings compensate for the angle and ensure a proper fit. The result is a canopy that’s always well-aligned and taut, not “fighting” against its own frame.

This type of end fitting is usually paired with deck hinges or brackets (for instance, code 03837, which is the matching socket base for the ball). When the ball is inserted into the base’s cup, it is held firmly yet remains moveable. This is a proven mechanism used in bimini tops, yacht sprayhoods, dodgers, and other marine covers. It enables quick assembly and disassembly of the entire canopy – by removing a single pin, you can detach the frame from its bases and take down the bimini in minutes.

Recommendations: Install stainless ball-joint eye ends at every point where the canopy frame meets the boat (typically 4 pieces – two for the main bow and two for the rear support struts). This will ensure even flexibility and easy folding all around. For smaller boats (3–5 m) and portable canopies, the 22mm version is standard and provides the needed strength. For larger setups or if you want maximum rigidity, go with the 25mm version. Both types are engineered to withstand strong winds, but it’s always good practice when exceeding ~30 knots or in very rough conditions to stow the bimini. With these end fittings, that process is quick and convenient.