Loose Rudder

[Sedna]

I checking my rudders I found I had movement in one of them --not terrible but how do I tighten it -- did packing about 3-4 years ago

 

[StevenDavid]

Is the movement side to side, or up and down? If your packing is leaking, then the adjustment nuts need tightening, just enough to stop the leaking. This maybe a semi monthly or so adjustment, and only a portion of a 360 degree turn. Mine were replaced 5 years ago and haven't been adjusted in about 3 years with no leaking. If it moves up and down. Chances are the slip collar and/or the set screws in the collar loosened up. If that's the case, and you're in the water, you'll need to pull up on the rudder shaft and tighten all set screws. Tough to do by yourself. You could use a vice grip with rubber jaw(or somethign to prevent scarring the rudder post) to hold it in place while you tighten. If out of the water, someone else can push the rudder up while you re set the locking collar to flush against the rudder "brace". The locking collar should be safety wired when finished to hold it in place. It rests on top of the rudder bracket to prevent the rudder from dropping.
Good luck!