Years ago when i did alot of cover every week i found it more cost effective to buy all the parts and make my own support poles Rather them all made up.
I used so many poles it wasnt a big deal to order a gross of each part.
Now i just order the pole saving labor time but i looked up the cost difference.
Now im paying. $10 and change a pole. Adding up each part cost plus tubing estimated about $7.75 a pole and m time tocut and assemble. Ill stick with buying poles.
I never made poles. Too convenient to just buy them already made up.
Speaking of poles, have you seen the ball/socket swivel bases so they can be mounted at an angle in the boat? Pretty good product.
June
I make my polls from electric conduit cut to size and put a rubber chair leg tip on one end. Cost about 1.50 per poll. May not be a good idea in the salt water environment though.
Arnt thoose taco june yes ive seen used a couple times.
Tim i had. 3/4" inside. 7/8" adjustable.
No idea if Taco makes them, but they work pretty well. About 6 or 7 products down this page.
http://www.glfi.com/marinecatalog_hardwarepage.htm
June