Good evening.i just bought my first performance boat.it is an 88 cigarette top gun 38.engines are basic carbeurated 454's at about 420 hp each.nice clean boat but I am not sure if this is a problem although I suspect it is. Boat is on the trailer.with the drives all the way down, I can physically pick up on the drive & lift the bottom up 1 to 1.5 inches.the top of the gimble does not have any play, the sides do not have any play but the bottom is where all the movement is.the previous owner says he knew about this & thought it was normal since he bought it like this.he is willing to reimburse for repairs if they are needed.thank you in advance for any help on this & appreciate you reading my long first post.

u sure the play isnt in the rams?

1 to 1.5 inches??? I'd say they are worn!!

Definately not the rams.it is in the bottom center.it is very visible as to where the movement is.is there a piece in the bottom center of the gimble like there is at the top ?I know it is not the same but I equate it to a ball joint.i assume it should allow turning movement but not up & down movement so to speak.

your lower pin is worn and hopefully the housing is not damaged.... you can run it that way but the gimble really should be tight

get if fixed asap if the seller is willing to pay for it, get a price first confirm he will flip for it...

Am I correct in assuming the gimble would need to be removed to replace the pin ? Assuming the housing is still good of course.

I appreciate all pf the help.i just came across an old thread concerning this from 2004.thanx again everybody.

My Bravo had a lot of play, and here's why-


That hole, with good threads, should be about .575" in diameter.

I have a trs transom assembly at the shop....already disassembled that you can look at.....even scavenge off of.

There are two points that can give you up and down play.....top pin where the tiller arm attaches, and one at the bottom center (swivel pin)

Running it as such, could cause the pin to crack the transom plate and then you have trouble.....especially in reverse....

Gimme a call tomorrow....

239.349.5395
Rich