Vertically adjustable pedestal for boat accessory

A vertically adjustable pedestal for a boat accessory, the pedestal comprising:

• a hollow outer column comprising at least first, second, and third inner surfaces extending in a longitudinal direction of the pedestal;
• an inner column positioned within the outer column and comprising at least first, second, and third outer surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction and respectively facing the first, second, and third inner surfaces;
• and
• a first plate positioned between the first inner surface and the first outer surface, a second plate positioned between the second inner surface and the second outer surface, and a third plate positioned between the third inner surface and the third outer surface, wherein the first plate is laterally movable to wedge the second and third outer surfaces of the inner column against the respective second and third plates on the respective second and third inner surfaces of the outer column;
• a fastener extending through one of the inner and outer columns and contacting the first plate, wherein the fastener is configured such that rotation thereof moves the first plate laterally;
• and
• a first rod extending in the longitudinal direction and captured between the first plate and the first outer surface within a first groove in the first plate and a second groove in the first outer surface, wherein the first rod is made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than a material of which the inner and outer columns are made;
• wherein the second plate is attached to one of the second inner surface and the second outer surface and has first and second parallel, spaced-apart protrusions formed on a face of the second plate that is not attached to the one of the second inner surface and the second outer surface, the first and second protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction;
• wherein the other of the second inner surface and the second outer surface that faces the one of the second inner surface and the second outer surface to which the second plate is attached has third and fourth parallel, spaced-apart grooves respectively facing the first and second protrusions on the face of the second plate;
• wherein the first and second protrusions are respectively received within the third and fourth grooves and thereby configured to limit lateral and rotational movement of the inner and outer columns with respect to one another;
• wherein the pedestal comprises a second rod extending in the longitudinal direction and captured between the first plate and the first outer surface within a fifth groove in the first plate and a sixth groove in the first outer surface, wherein the second rod is made of the material of the first rod, and wherein the first and second rods are spaced apart from one another;
• wherein the second and third plates are made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the material of which the inner and outer columns are made;
• wherein the first plate is made of a material that is stiffer than the material of which the second and third plates are made;
• wherein the inner and outer columns are slidable with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction;
• and
• wherein one of the inner and outer columns is configured to be connected to a supporting surface of a boat, and the other of the inner and outer columns is configured to be connected to the boat accessory.