Boat is in storage so I can’t measure but I run mine about 6-8” apart. Enough to keep a smooth removal in the heat of battle. Rods are 18” different in length from each other.
I have one on my 597. Between that and a trigger, hammer, and extractor it shoots and feels like a decent rifle. Fit perfectly, handles well. Can’t say anything about service as I had no issues.
Don’t forget about tackle, riggers, weights, coolers, ice etc. Not to mention that a flat tire when you have three left is much more comforting than when half of your tires go down
Same problem with mine. New boot, switch and drain hole and everything seems good. Someone else had used the rtv trick before as well. Water got in but couldn’t get out