Without being familiar with your boat, I'd say the answer is yes. Did the manufacturer recommend silicone caulk? That's really not the right type of caulk for this application. My recommendation would be to get some 5200 caulk from a boat supply store (or even the boating section of WallMart), and build with that. When you apply the caulking, apply it liberally. It cleans up easily enough while damp, and even cured it trims off easily enough with a razor blade. But if you don't apply enough, the only fix is a complete redo.

I'd also be leery of taping things together in lieu of clamps. While it can work, you'd better use some very good tape. I'd contact 3-M on their customer service number to find out what type of tape they'd recommend. You don't want one that will stretch, and most will. They will also creep on the adhesive. Leaving you with a nice gap. If it was mine, I'd be experimenting with ropes and straps to tie the boat together with, as well playing with bricks and such. A brick that holds the deck down will still be holding it down the next morning, unless the laws of gravity change overnight. Tape on the other hand seems psychic, waiting until you are asleep to pop off.

> I've just tried out the Sea Bright Skimmer I put together - it leaks at
> the seams. I followed the directions (I think), but I'm now very
> frustrated with the outcome. The hull and deck sections are made of
> plastic which are pulled tight together using tape as clamps, then a strip
> is screwed over the joined areas along with silicone caulking. The section
> near the coaming (about 4 feet long) is at the waterline and water
> dribbles in. Has anyone had this problem?? Do I have to take the whole
> thing apart & start over? Thanks for any help, Alice