Greg, thanks a lot for the tip. Do you have a picture of the "washer" installed on the ball and the "pendant holder that you describe? I'm having a hard time visualizing the arrangement you use.Over the past 3 years I now attach under the ball with a pendant holder on top which I personally love. However what I do notice that on top of your ball where the chain comes through there does not appear to be a BIG washer to hold everything on top. My yard rigs the balls and I know mine had 2 large washers that had an overall width that was much bigger than the hole in the ball. The chain comes through the hole and then washers then the heavy duty shackle is put on to prevent it from going through. When storms would come through it is common to see the ball under the water as the boat stretches the chain out. From your picture it does not appear to be set up that way. It appears they are relying on the size of the shackle to hold the chain which may in fact just be ripping the hole apart when there is a lot of action. The large washer will not let the shackle beat the ball up.
Good luck.
Greg
Also, could you send me a PM with the contact info (phone number preferrably) for your yard?