I am new to this forum; first I would like to say thank you for easycomposites and talkcomposites for all the tips and ideas you have shared. 

That space won't be an issue, you mould that with the blade. So out your barriers on the edge of the base. When I fix my drawings you'll hopefully see what I mean. Unless this object is bigger than it looks, you will struggle to vac bag it. Reason being, the blade gets so tight towards the end that you wont be able to get in there with the two halves bolted together. A silicone mandrel is an option there. 

Sorry if I sound thick but Silicone mandrel? how?