Final Solution: I'm attaching 3 pics of the antenna. It works just fine, now. There's NO PVC involved and I used two hose clamps to attach the antenna mount to the ladder. The Yaesu tech - Ron - was right on the mark. From Port Charlotte area of FL, I've had QSO's to Chicago, Corpus Christi, VA, No. Kentucky. I haven't had the time to devote to DX work, yet. I'm happy with what I have and proper grounding was the answer all along.
