Play in Steering

[E.L.Green]

My boats tiller goes through the deck and connects to the rudder. The problem I am having is that where the aluminum grips the rudder there is just enough play to feel it in the steering. I have tried putting washers of various sizes using metal and even lexan to try to prevent this from happening, but then it provides too much friction and wont allow for smooth operation of kicking up and lowering. We had to have the rudder stock refabbed last season after it gave way due to corrosion and while it doesnt hinder the boats steering, I would prefer it to be tight.
The boat is used for cruising so performance is not at the top of my concern list but it is somewhat frustrating. It only moves a few millimeters but when under sail one can feel it. Any pointers on how to overcome this besides going with an over the transom set up? Those kits cost around a grand and to fit it onto my boat I would have to do some modifications with the block and tackle from the boom as it would interfere and thats money that could be spent elsewhere on the boat like new lifelines and rigging. Thanks!

[S/V Antares]

I had a similar issue with an old Ericson. A little play was a PITA. I filled the tiller end with Marine tex and jammed it on. Put on the through bolt amd it worked fine. Don't know if your setup is the same. I sold the boat a few years later and it was still OK.

[E.L.Green]

In the beginning of the season there was a little play in the tiller but we adressed that by drilling and tapping bigger bolts with new washers. The problem remains in the rudder. It seems as if there is too much gap between the aluminum and the swing rudder, like it teeters.