Maxum Bravo 3 steering question

[ScubaDave16]

Hello. I have a 2001 Maxum SCR 2900 with the bravo 3 outdrive. I just got the boat last fall and notice a lot of wandering at slow speeds. The previous owner had cranked the steering wheel lock way down but when loosened now it has a lot of play. maybe 2 inches in each direction

The boat is out of the water on blocks now. I can move the outdrive maybe an inch or so, but it doesnt seem excessive.

The wheel, however, seems to move quite a bit before the outdrive moves at all. I poked under the dash and all i see is a steering "box" for lack of a better term. No adjustments i can see.

question: is an inch or so "excessive" play in the outdrive?

I have read horror stories about changing the gimbal steering pin and am really hoping that isn't the problem.

also, the previous owner just had the bellows and coupler done. would the gimbal pin be something they would look at then?

what else could i be looking at other than the "wandering bow" i have also read about.

they are gonna drop my boat in the water in a few weeks so time is a factor here.

Thanks in advance.