[roddandcara]

DO NOT use 3M 5200! You might actually need to get it off again in the future. I use 3M 101 bit it''s getting hard to find. I''ve never had a leak due to failure of the 3M 101 and it comes apart much better than 3M 5200 or 4200 (I had 4200 tear up gel-coat once when removing a winch) it sticks less but not much less. Another good option is the new 3M product called UV 4000. I have had bad luck with the Boat Life (mostly drying out, dis-coloring and leaking after a couple of years due to lack of flexibility after exposuire to UV) products and I don''t allow either 5200 or Silicone on my boat. I''ve only bedded two items with the UV 4000 but it seems to be working OK.

12 years ago I did a Catalina 30 complete re-bed (everything from winches, stanchions & ports)with 3M 101 and that boat is still leak free! I would not use anything other than the sealant on your hatch and you can counter sink those holes very slightly to prevent the cracking you mentioned. By counter sinking the hole slightly you also create an o-ring of sealant around the head of the fastener. I was taught this by a one of the guys at Hinckley Yachts...