Cutlass alignment, rudder shaft seal

Greetings again,

'86 Martinique out of the water, checking for vibration cause (not much). Slight tip damage on one blade, so I think that's the source.

However, strut is aligned so that shaft is not centered in the openings at the ends. No shake, shaft turns freely. Shaft is closer to port on one end, starboard on the other. Is the cutlass bearing within the strut end self aligning, or is this a misaligned strut that I need to relocate in perfect alignment with a new cutlass bearing? I suppose I can get it off!

Second, only place I could immediately see bilge water seeping possibly is at the rudder shaft. This does have shake in it, just a little. This is not an obvious adjustment. Is there packing? Easiest way to adjust/compress? I am shipping water slowly and steadily at anchor & running, about 2 pints/hour.

Thanks for any suggestions. I miss my boat already, beautiful day. But I am pressure washing and buffing it.

The shaft is essentially perfectly centered in the thru hole hull. Everything looks nice except the strut, which appears to have taken a strike at one point before I got the beast. I suppose I'll yank it all apart and see what's what. Perhaps the strut attaches in a manner allowing adjustment.

I'll also look for the stuffing box for the rudder. Should be fun upside down work!