Geoff - If you are actually thinking of using a gin pole, I would suggest a tripod as a potential alternative. A friend and I recently raised a 4 bent barn with 24'widex20'high bents using a tripod made from 4x4x16' poles as it seemed simpler, more stable and easier to rig than using a gin pole. If you're interested, send me an e-mail and I can get you some pics. jekbear