Rudder play and lube point

Jun 22, 2021
1
C&C 29 mk 1 Tacoma
New to me 1977 C&C 29. There is a bit of play with the rudder. The tiller moves about an inch either way without moving the rudder. Is this normal or is the rudder going to fall off any moment now? Also discovers a tube from rudder forward to about the transmission that looks like a lube point. What type of lube? Marine grade grease? Thanks