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Manufacturer Part Number: 6803
316 Stainless Steel
7/8" Outside Ball End
The 7/8" Stainless Steel Outside Ball End (often referred to as a ball top cap or outside ball fitting in marine catalogs, with similar Whitecap SKUs like 6803 for related models) is a precision-machined marine hardware component from Whitecap Marine Products or equivalent manufacturers. It is made from high-grade 316 stainless steel (marine-grade for superior corrosion resistance against saltwater, rust, and UV exposure). The fitting features a cylindrical sleeve designed to slide over the exterior of a 7/8" outside diameter (O.D.) tube, with a tapered or contoured neck transitioning to a smooth, rounded 1/2" diameter ball at the top (standard ball size matching common bimini socket fittings). A small threaded hole is typically present on the side of the cylindrical body for a set screw (not included), allowing secure attachment to the tube to prevent rotation or slippage. The overall design is compact, highly polished for a sleek appearance, and free of sharp edges to protect nearby boat surfaces such as canvas, upholstery, or gelcoat. This part is sold individually, is lightweight (typically around 0.15-0.25 pounds), and provides a durable, professional finish ideal for long-term marine use.
This 7/8" version is widely used in marine applications, especially for larger or heavier-duty boat frames compared to the 3/4" size. It is a standard component in assembling, repairing, or upgrading bimini tops (boat canopies for sun and weather protection), dodgers, T-tops, or similar collapsible canvas structures on boats. The slightly larger 7/8" tube diameter is common on mid-size to larger recreational vessels, such as center consoles, pontoons, fishing boats, cruisers, and some sailboats, where stronger framing is needed for bigger canopies or higher wind loads. It also appears in boat railings, handrails, wakeboard towers, or other tubular marine frameworks requiring flexible, quick-release connections. While optimized for boating in freshwater or saltwater environments, similar fittings can be adapted for non-marine uses like custom outdoor furniture, awnings, or lightweight structural supports, thanks to the material's excellent resistance to corrosion, moisture, and weathering.
As a terminal end fitting for 7/8" tubular frames, the outside ball end creates a secure anchor point by slipping over the tube's exterior and locking in place with the set screw. The protruding 1/2" ball serves as the male half of a ball-and-socket joint, mating precisely with female socket fittings like eye ends, jaw slides, deck hinges, swivel mounts, or quick-release hinges. This design enables smooth pivoting, full rotation, and easy tool-free disconnection, which is critical for folding or collapsing bimini tops during storage, trailering, or bridge clearance. The ball distributes mechanical stress evenly across the joint, minimizes rattling or vibration in rough conditions, reduces wear on connected components, and prevents frame parts from chafing or damaging boat surfaces during movement. In dynamic marine environments, it ensures the frame remains stable, adjustable, and reliable under wind, waves, or boat motion, while the 316 stainless construction provides exceptional longevity without maintenance concerns like rust or degradation. This makes it an upgrade choice for applications needing more robust tubing than 3/4" setups.
316 Stainless Steel
7/8" Outside Ball End
| For Use In | Freshwater and Saltwater |
|---|---|
| Tube | 7/8" |
| Ball | 1/2" |
| Material | 316 Stainless Steel |
| Quantity Included | Individual |
The 7/8" Stainless Steel Outside Ball End (often referred to as a ball top cap or outside ball fitting in marine catalogs, with similar Whitecap SKUs like 6803 for related models) is a precision-machined marine hardware component from Whitecap Marine Products or equivalent manufacturers. It is made from high-grade 316 stainless steel (marine-grade for superior corrosion resistance against saltwater, rust, and UV exposure). The fitting features a cylindrical sleeve designed to slide over the exterior of a 7/8" outside diameter (O.D.) tube, with a tapered or contoured neck transitioning to a smooth, rounded 1/2" diameter ball at the top (standard ball size matching common bimini socket fittings). A small threaded hole is typically present on the side of the cylindrical body for a set screw (not included), allowing secure attachment to the tube to prevent rotation or slippage. The overall design is compact, highly polished for a sleek appearance, and free of sharp edges to protect nearby boat surfaces such as canvas, upholstery, or gelcoat. This part is sold individually, is lightweight (typically around 0.15-0.25 pounds), and provides a durable, professional finish ideal for long-term marine use.
This 7/8" version is widely used in marine applications, especially for larger or heavier-duty boat frames compared to the 3/4" size. It is a standard component in assembling, repairing, or upgrading bimini tops (boat canopies for sun and weather protection), dodgers, T-tops, or similar collapsible canvas structures on boats. The slightly larger 7/8" tube diameter is common on mid-size to larger recreational vessels, such as center consoles, pontoons, fishing boats, cruisers, and some sailboats, where stronger framing is needed for bigger canopies or higher wind loads. It also appears in boat railings, handrails, wakeboard towers, or other tubular marine frameworks requiring flexible, quick-release connections. While optimized for boating in freshwater or saltwater environments, similar fittings can be adapted for non-marine uses like custom outdoor furniture, awnings, or lightweight structural supports, thanks to the material's excellent resistance to corrosion, moisture, and weathering.
As a terminal end fitting for 7/8" tubular frames, the outside ball end creates a secure anchor point by slipping over the tube's exterior and locking in place with the set screw. The protruding 1/2" ball serves as the male half of a ball-and-socket joint, mating precisely with female socket fittings like eye ends, jaw slides, deck hinges, swivel mounts, or quick-release hinges. This design enables smooth pivoting, full rotation, and easy tool-free disconnection, which is critical for folding or collapsing bimini tops during storage, trailering, or bridge clearance. The ball distributes mechanical stress evenly across the joint, minimizes rattling or vibration in rough conditions, reduces wear on connected components, and prevents frame parts from chafing or damaging boat surfaces during movement. In dynamic marine environments, it ensures the frame remains stable, adjustable, and reliable under wind, waves, or boat motion, while the 316 stainless construction provides exceptional longevity without maintenance concerns like rust or degradation. This makes it an upgrade choice for applications needing more robust tubing than 3/4" setups.
NOTE: The difference between packaged and not packaged items is that a packaged item has a card with either a plastic encasing (blister) or a polybag usually for displaying purposes.
Attention CA Residents: Prop 65 Warning
WARNING:
This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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