Good timing on your question. Someone broke mine off during a tournament too. It was there when I launched and when I loaded up that afternoon it was gone. The head of the bolt that was welded on top of the pole was all that was left. It appears that the thief twisted the mounting bolt off to take the ball.I just replaced mine this past weekend. It can be done pretty simply. Bass Cat sold me a new ball ($17.50). What I did to mount it was;1) Buy a stud to mount the new ball (1/4″ diameter x 1 1/2″ long)2) On my pole, the ball was mounted to a 1/4″ bolt that was welded to the top of the pole. The bolt head was welded to the pole with the bolt threads point up. Grind whats left of the original mounting bolt flat so your new ball is straight and not crooked. I left most of the original bolt head in place so there would be enough material left for the next step.3) Drill through the original bolt head and pole top plate.4) Tap the original bolt head and pole top plate for the 1/4″ stud.5) Install the 1/4″ stud into the new ball. Use thread locking compound to prevent it from vibrating loose.6) Install the new ball/stud assembly on the pole. Again, use thread locker. Do not over tighten the stud.Hope this helps!I do question if the 1/4″ bolt is sufficient to hold that heavy ball. If mine leaves again, I will have to come up with a stronger repair.Scott
