my 40 ocean is now over 20years old. The rudder has had a bit of lateral movement for several years, but never more than about 2cm at the base. I keep the top nut reasonably tight ,till it starts to bind then back off a bit. I have never been one to mend stuff that aint broke , so what is a reasonable amount of lateral play at the rudder base ? Geoff
Mine is the same, and I've seen many others with a small amount of movement. I don't think it's a problem.