by thegammas » Tue Oct 06, 2015 1:57 pm
Here is my view, ut I encourage the far more experienced folks on the site to comment as well
If you haven't fully attached the stem cap yet, when you do so, I'd suggest bedding it in 3M 4200 caulk (not the 3M 5200). 4200 It's an adhesive caulk suitable for below the waterline and can be removed if you ever need / want to remove the stem cap again. I used it on my bottom and in 6 years there was no sign of weakening or failure of the caulk. If you have already screwed it on, I think an 1/8 gap is fine and will afford a nice channel for caulking all along the joint, which you would want to do anyway.
Pictures area always helpful
Cant help much on your other questions
Peter Stransky
1962 Cortland Custom Sea Lancer
Wilmington, Delaware