General Rudder gap question

[rvannan]

93 350 AC - Noticed when boat was pulled for storage (first year of ownership) that there is about a 1/8" gap between rudder and mount. Same on both rudders. Just curious if this is expected and through shaft is designed to float a bit? Advice much appreciated!

20220122_123935.jpg

[km1125]

As long as there's some gap I wouldn't think it would be an issue. You wouldn't want too much or all that stuff inside is going to be moving around a lot.

[Viper]

Ya that's a totally normal gap. You can get away with a little more but only if all the attaching hardware is in the proper place, tight, and doesn't have excessive ware. It's okay to have a little vertical movement but not much depending on the type of system. There shouldn't be any lateral movement/slop from side to side.

[rvannan]

thank you Both