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perfectly normal. Just don't want it moving side to side. Being pretty new to boating I just took mine in to the dealer to have the same thing checked thinking something was wrong. No problem.
I'm no expert but a 1/4 to 3/8's seems a bit excessive to me? There should be some play but I would say a 1/4 max after the prop nut is torqued properly.
Make sure you have all the necessary spacers/washers in place before installing too.
Welcome to the site, enjoy.........Irv964
The prop nut should be torqued to the specs in your manual. This is usually 50-75 lbs, depending on your application. It should be more than finger tight...don't trust a cotter pin to hold your prop on. You may not have the correct spacers/washers installed. I think that is too much play personally.
It depends on the engine/drive. Mercury outboards do exhibit a degree of spring loaded in-out play. Haven't measured it but this has been discussed before. If the play is between the prop and the nut/washer then that is not normal. If the prop is torqued properly and the entire prop shaft moves very slightly in and out under spring loading, that is normal.
