Catalina 30 Rudder Post

[tncat]

We have a 1985 Catalina 30 and the rudder post appears to have dropped about 1/4 of an inch. The radial drive steering pulley on the rudder post is riding on the bottom support conduit support bracket. Does anyone know what keeps the rudder post in place (so it doesn't fall out the bottom)? Is it just the emergency till cap?

We recently purchased the boat, so I don't know how long it has been like this, but it doesn't seem right. I can lift the rudder post by hand into what appears to be the correct position. I could lower the conduit support bracket about 1/2 inch, but I don't know if the rudder post will continue to drop if I do this.

Thanks for any information that can be provided.