Bolt Waterproofing?

[Re and Frank Puff #691]

How does one insert a bolt through the deck and caulk it to assure the fitting is waterproof?

The clutch devices on Puff do not have flat bottoms and thus cannot be installed and caulked as if they were stanchions.  (It is likely that if you do that water will collect under the clutch and rot the wood pedestal.)  There is a small flat spot around each bolt hole.  However the two forward bolts cannot be taken out without taking the clutch apart.

When and where does one apply the caulk?

[c34member]

First, check out the FAQ section on rebedding chainplates and rebedding stantions (FEB 2000 and JUL 1999).  Lots of good tips there.  Countersinking the holes in the deck is one of the best to remember.  If I understand your particular problem, you are worried as much about water getting in between the above deck surfaces that do not mate closely as you are about water invading the deck.  What you can do is to apply a very generous amount of Boat Life caulk and snug up the nuts (the less you move the bolts the better the seal will be) until the parts are beginning to spread out the caulk evenly, leaving approx 1/8" between the most closely mated sections.  Then, let it sit for a few days.  The caulk will harden and form a relatively thick gasket, instead of being squeezed out entirely in the tight spots.  Use a razor blade or Exacto knife to trim it to shape (gradual slope away from the wood is best).