No such luck trying to find a rudder for a 97. 2006 mode is available but you have to buy the whole kit, port box, tiller arm, and rudder.

The newer rudder would have a cotter pin that would prevent falling out and the tiller arm bolt should go through a machined groove in the rudder shaft, and it is keyed. Being a 97' model, I'm sure there was nothing to keep the rudder in the port except the dip seal packing nut and the tiller arm pitch bolt. Both came loose over time, perfect storm situation.

If you cannot find a replacement, I would upgrade to a new dripless rudder box.