What caulking?

[steplift20]

I'm going to take up the deck panel on my 78 steplift the one that covers the fuel tank, when I reinstall it what kind of sealer should I use?

[wellcraftv20step]

As long as the Hatch is ridgid and not spongy you can use 3M's 4200 , ( 18.00 on amazon ) 4200 remains flexible and it's not terribly difficult to remove the 4200 should you need to get that hatch up in years to come. The 5200 is more permanent and would make that more difficult . But remember if the hatch is spongy the 4200 will let go and you'll see a gap when you step on the hatch .

[steplift20]

Thanks wellcraftv20step then that's what I will use, what happened is some of the screws are not grabbing so I'm going to glue pressure treated wood under the screw holes so that I will have something to grab on yo , I think that should work ? I think 1 X 3 should do it, what do you think?

[wellcraftv20step]

I think that will work, their is actually a fairly recent thread with great pics on that exact issue ! I believe it was titled" re core fuel cell hatch' by Phatdaddy Youll see how he used pvc pipe cut into 1 or 2 inch pieces(used as clamps ) to fasten the wood to the deck while adhesive dried ... take a look

[SkunkBoat]

4200 and especially 5200 are adhesives and overkill for the purpose.

I would use silicone. The Roof & gutter outdoor stuff that can be in the sun.

Way cheaper and easier to remove when you check in there again in the next year (or 2). I always preach to check in there every season and reseal.

Instead of pressure treated, get some 3 "pvc trim board at Home Depot. Lite & never rot.

[phatdaddy]

agree with skunk, i used good grade silicone, but i remove it every season, check out whats under there and reseal.

i ended up using aztec board under the lip. its a plastic composite used as decking on docks. im coming up on my yearly visual, ill report back on how it faired. and take some non photobucket pics to post.