a solid 16-foot mast seems a bit
awkward and long.

16 foot may not be as long or as awkward as you think. Before you spend any
money, just whip out a tape measure and look at how a one piece mast COULD
fit into the truck. Many people have 16 foot or longer kayaks and have no
problems loading them on and off roof racks. Obviously I don't know your
exact situation, just a thought.

Al