: Beckson recommends a good 1/16" thick bed of sealant between
: the deck plate and the deck. As long as you don't wrench on the
: bolts you should be able to use your existing setup as is.

There is plenty of adhesive, but I put the adhesive on without the center in the hatch, and then bolted it on, just like putting the cover back on the punkin after a fluid change...

so-

I am concerned that the ring may be permanently warped. Is it an adequate test to uninstall the ring and screw in the hatch and then pour water on it to check for leaks?

I used 3M 4300 last time. I'm not sure how easily it will come off. I would never use 5200 because it's not reversible. If I screw the hatch in and put it back down with 4300 and just use dowels to line up the holes, then let it cure for while. I'm sure that the 4300 would hold it- but you think if I put it back down with nylock nuts I might get it unleaky? I think I could reach all of the nuts from the bulkhead hatch, but I'm still concerned that even if I did that with they would still overtorque enough to tweak it.

To be honest- I'm inclined to start fresh with a different hatch. But Dan- you've seen the hatch- there's a bit of extra work in it. It's probably worth saving, but I'm over being precious about the kayak and just want a bombproof paddling machine.

m