Ok, so my 89' 242ss has a loose steering wheel that lifts up and to the sides about a half inch tops... with a little play to the left and right as well... nothing too terrible though compared to other older boats I have been on..

If you look up at the helm it looks like the steering column that runs through the wheel is a little loose in the mechanism. Bushing maybe?

Anyone experience this? easy fix?

More importantly, I am leaving for vacation WITH the boat for a week, is this a safety concern? can the steering wheel just snap free internally in the helm to leave me with no steering?

note, the actually maneuverability of the boat is fine, its just the steering wheel. I also checked under the steering cap and that nut looks like it has not moved in 2 decades, but I will check again today when I have the right socket