TACO Marine Ball & Socket Concave Deck Hinge with Pin & Lanyard, For 7/8 in O.D. Tube, Type-316L Polished Stainless Steel

Overview

The TACO Marine F13-0242/244BN-1 is a concave ball-and-socket deck hinge with a pin and lanyard for 7/8" O.D. bimini and canvas top tubing. It mounts to concave windshield headers and similar curved mounting surfaces where a standard flat deck hinge would not sit cleanly.

The hinge uses Type-316L polished stainless steel with a Delrin insert inside the socket. That insert helps keep the top fitting tight, cuts down on rattle, and lets the hinge move smoothly through its range of rotation when the canvas frame is raised, folded, or adjusted.

This is a practical replacement or upgrade part for bimini tops, cockpit shade frames, and canvas supports on boats that use 7/8" tubing. The quick-release pull and D-ring pin make it easier to detach the frame when removing canvas, lowering the top for trailering, or clearing the deck for storage and service access.

Key features

• Fits 7/8" O.D. tube used on many bimini, canopy, and canvas top frames.
• Concave base sits against curved windshield headers and other rounded mounting areas.
• Patented ball-and-socket pivot allows full rotation for smoother frame movement.
• Type-316L polished stainless steel construction suits saltwater exposure better than lower-grade hardware.
• Delrin insert helps the fitting stay tight while reducing rattle during normal boat movement.
• Quick-release pull and D-ring pin allow the frame connection to be released without removing the hinge from the boat.
• Uses a #8 oval head countersunk screw for mounting.
• Covered by a 5-year limited warranty.

Installation and fit

Check the outside diameter of the tubing before ordering. This hinge is made for 7/8" O.D. tube, so it is not the right fit for frames built with 3/4", 1", or larger tubing unless the rest of the hardware has been changed to match.

The concave mounting surface is the key fit detail. It belongs on a curved windshield header or similar rounded surface, not on a flat deck pad. For installation, align the hinge so the ball-and-socket movement follows the travel of the canvas frame, then fasten it with the correct #8 oval head countersunk screw.

Use on board

This hinge is well suited to boats where the bimini or shade frame needs to move often, such as center consoles, runabouts, fishing boats, and cruisers with folding cockpit canvas. It gives the tube end a clean pivot point while keeping the removable pin close at hand with the lanyard.

It is also useful when replacing worn or rattling deck hardware on an existing canvas top. Matching the tube size, mounting surface, and pin style will help the new hinge integrate cleanly with the rest of the frame.

Materials and care

Polished Type-316L stainless steel stands up well in marine environments, but routine care still matters. Rinse the hinge with fresh water after saltwater use, remove grime from around the pin and socket, and check the fastener from time to time for movement or corrosion staining.

A light cleaning during seasonal canvas service will help the Delrin insert and pin continue to move freely. Avoid harsh abrasives on the polished finish, especially on visible windshield or cockpit hardware.