Bedding the hatches in using butyl rubber tape

I chose to use a butyl rubber tape to bed all of the deck hardware in place along with stainless bolts, washers and locknuts.  The butyl rubber tape stays pliable for years and while sealing all potential leaks, it allows the hardware to be removed without destruction in the future.  In this case, I ran two layers of butyl tape along the hatch frames and began the process of bolting all 10 of the hatches in place. ( two lower escape hatches and 8 deck and cabin hatches.)

Butyl tape being applied to hatch frame

nuts, bolts and washers.

A cordless driver fitted with a deep well socket made short work of fastening the locknuts from below.  Each hatch requires 19 fasteners.