Hatch Sealing

[edgutgesell]

I have a leaky built-in fuel tank that I will be replacing with a new tank. There is a 24"x48" hatch over the fuel tank that is held down by screws and is sealed with what looks like 100% silicone. The hatch is ridgid enough to allow walking on by 230 LB guys and is in the stern floor. <br /><br />My question is:<br /><br />When I install the new tank, what is the best sealer to seal the hatch? I want to seal the hatch with a sealer that will allow relatively easy opening from time to time and will effectively keep water out of the bilge and can stand being walked on. I haven't tried to open the hatch so I don't know if the current sealer will make opening the hatch difficult. Is silicone ok or should I use another sealer that will be better??

 

[woody20]

Re: Hatch Sealing

silicone has no place in a boat. Try 3m 4200

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Hatch Sealing

Home Depot has a 10 ft. roll of marine seal foam made for compartments for 5 bucks. It's made of closed cell dense foam that you could attach to the parimeter of the hatch.