Homemade Extended Pylon for SN2001???

What size of aluminum pipe would you need for an extended pylon on a 82 ski nautique? I really can't see the value in paying $300 for a piece of 7' piece of aluminum, nylon webbing, and a ratchet.

I have called around and only have found 2.5" pipe, will that work?

thanks

My friend used a 6'x 2.5" aluminum pipe that he got from my dads friend. Its 1/4" thick. We put a end cap on it and threaded a hole and used a 2" ball to hook the rope on. Homemade at its best. He polished it and now it looks chrome. The next task is some board racks.