[TowerTalk] STEPPIR - 40 M Option - boom rotating

[ac9s at mchsi.com]

Hi - I am a new subscriber to the list.  I just put up a 3 el Steppir with the 
40M option.  I have had a problem with the boom rotating in the wind - the 
elements move out of vertical with a side wind load.  This isn't a very large 
antenna and I am a little surprised there would be a problem. On the surface 
it seems the windload of the 40M looped elements is too much for two u-bolts 
on a 1 3/4" boom.  

Any idea how much I can torque the two boom u-bolts before I either crimp the 
boom or stretch the u-bolts?  I lubed the threads as recommended in the manual.

This antenna replaces a Bencher Skyhawk whose boom broke in last winter's ice 
storm.  The Skyhawk could have used a boom truss, but that is another story.

Thanks for any insight.

Keith
AC9S