Problem solved.
The Rod Builder in an unexpected display of generosity has offered a 3" Beaudex with a new p-foot installed on it for a pittance.
He will mortise the reel seat to fit it anyway and lube and shine it up.
He is a superb craftsman, a straight shooter and possibly the nicest guy in Arizona.
Thanks for the replies, I have an older Orvis Battenkill Mark V as a backup but thought it might be a tad heavy.

DuFf