[WHOOSH]

Jo:

Suggest you check some of the larger consignment and second-hand shops (Sailorman in Ft. Lauderdale, Minnie''s in Newport Beach, Bacon''s in Annapolis, etc.). Some (e.g. Minnie''s) put their inventory on the web. There are many smaller shops in coastal areas and, given the awkwardness of shipping a pole, your best bet would be a shop you could drive to or near an area you will be cruising.

I found one suitable for our boat by walking the docks. In our case we needed an even bigger pole than you and I eventually came across one tied off on a dock, suggesting it had been taken off the boat where it had been underfoot. Two feet needed to come off and its paint refreshed, but it was 17'' and cost $75.

Finally, consider a ''Wanted'' ad in your local sailing rag - free boating magazines exist all over the country (Lat 38, Spin Sheet, Southwinds Sailing, Florida Mariner - golly, there''s reams of them).

Good hunting!

Jack