You might try anodized aluminum poles that are used in
tents (contact Campmor) The fiberglass poles that are used
in tents have anodized aluminum ferules as well. You might contact
a company called Shadetree that makes awnings for boats
that uses these types of poles. We use 1" stainless steel
tubing for our awnings.

Doug
s/v Callista

"1" wrote in message
...
Looking to make an awning. Lots of cruisers use pvc water pipe - it
ages in the sun and breaks - but it's cheap.

Friends have an awning that uses the bendy fiberglass tent pole
supports - like glass fishing rod stuff. They disconnect with ferrules
so are easy to stow - but all the ones they've seen have plated steel
ferrules - they rust and stain the awning.

Any better ideas?