Dave Rieger wrote:
Side note: I had one supplier run away screaming into the night when I told him what I was going to do with the light pole. I forget which one. I was only doing research at the time but I realized that when the time comes - I won't be honest with the supplier as to intended use. I'll have it delivered to a friends legit business and go from there.
I fully agree with the above. Don't ask, don't tell. They don't, nor want, to know what you'll be doing.
Of the vendors you list I like the cone tapered aluminum poles from United States Flag Store. Their 33 ft overall EC30 or ECH30, depending on your specs, would be right for around a 400 sqft sail area.
I'd be interested in their external halyard poles. I've made inquiries through Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-Flag-Pole-30-ft-x-6-in-Butt-x-188-in-ext/380333496208?
_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D41375%26meid
%3D5d117dc983af49cabab50522942ae32d%26pid%3D100033%26rk%3D8%26rkt%3D8%26sd
%3D331743123453&_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042
wondering if they'd hold off on drilling holes for the halyard cleat. Reply was that's standard procedure. Hence, no drilled holes, no welding anywhere, perfect. The stuff they put at the the very top can be easily cut off with a hacksaw...and you put your own top piece on.
I think I'd actually prefer a 2-piece pole because I believe the joint is as strong as the rest of the pole and it would be alot easier to handle (and store) for whatever fabrication I'd be doing (rigging halyards, installing topping lifts, fitting deck and step pieces, etc.
Furthur, see website above) they sell through ebay often with free shipping (model dependent of course).
They even sell off-the-shelf shoe base(s) too that might be useful for step or deck fitting:
https://www.united-states-flag.com/shoe-base-flag-pole-accessories-fits-6in-butt-diameter-flagpole.html
Good luck.