> I was thinking I'd try this on my Cape Charles. What does the vaseline do?
> Is it supposed to release the silicone? I want the silicone to stick to
> the hatch cover and come off of the boat. Also, what kind of silicone? The
> clear stuff for sealing windows? Would 3M5200 work?

Don, Yes the vaseline is supposed release the silicone, but the Saran wrap works a lot better. I only left the vaseline on the under side of the hatch thinking the Saran wrap would not stick to the hatch cover and that it would come out real easy. Using vaseline only did not release as good as the wrap. In fact it was so bad the second time around that I actually over stressed the glass in one spot on the hatch cover that now has a little white spot that I get to fix.

No reason why you couldn't put the silicone on the under side of the hatch but I think it would be hard to make nice neat edges. by put it in the recess it's easy as it conforms to the outer edge of the recess and then you trim the inner edge with a knife. I used 100% Silicone exterior grade clear caulk from 3M. I would have used the marine grade stuff but I had this already available. One of those projects for the wife!