John,

Depending on what you mean by "very loose" it could be just as designed. You don't want a tight fit or it could jam. In use, the sideways motion of the boat being resisted by the board will keep the board in place. You'll also need a bungee or something to keep it from popping up.

Just check your dimensions against what the plans show. If they match, you're fine. If you built from the kit, then it's exactly what it should be.

Have fun,

Laszlo

   Thanks for your reply. it is built from a kit. Having never sailed, just struck me as not right so glad to hear it is as should be. I am having and will continue to have fun. Thanks again

John

I make them loose on purpose.  Nothing will end your day on a sour note quite like a jammed daggerboard...either jammed UP or DOWN is bad news.

A simple loop of bungie fixes it: