Deck Removal

[Phil D Cooler]

Bought a 2006 Marlin in Jan. Great boat. Now it's out for the winter and I want to do some work that will be much easier if I remove the aft deck hatch. It looks like it is just screwed down and caulked. Any other thing I should be aware of before removing it? Any adhesive on it? Also, when replacing it what type of caulk is best to use? Thanks.

 

[seasick]

Screws and caulk. When removing look for any spacers that might have been installed to keep it level. Mark which goes where for later.
Reinstall using silicon caulk. The GE stuff in almond is a decent match to the off white gel coat. Some folks like white but it stands out and some even like black. I use almond. Use masking tape on either side of the groove to prevent the caulk from making a mess on the deck and panel. Let the caulk set up for 5 minutes or so (depending on outside temps) and then peel off the tape. Do not let the caulk fully cure with the tape on.

 

[blindmullet]

You can also add a piece of fishing line before you lay the caulk in. It makes breaking the bead easier the next time you need to remove it. Tie a loop on one end and leave it in a corner that you'll remember.

 

[glacierbaze]

Use heavy braid, like 50# plus, which will cut the old caulk better.

 

[Fishtales]

As stated remove screws (only go into glass lip under and cut the calking with a knife, then pull up after removing the deck plate cover. May have to cut a bit more to get it to come out.
There will be rubber pieces between the deck lid and the cockpit floor lip. I'd take the time to clean and glue these in place. If they fall into the bilge they can migrate aft and it is a PIA to retrieve.

 

[Phil D Cooler]

Thanks everyone. No surprises and some really good tips.