[C320-list] Broken Stanchion

[Pat Ireland]

There is a thread on one of the other forums that recommends a countersunk
hole to make room for caulk to seal around the bolt where it passes through
the deck.  The logic is that if you let the caulk set up and then tighten,
the bolt breaks the seal when you tighten it and the joint will fail.  Lots
of folks say they have had good luck with the setup and then tighten method,
so I'm not so sure about the premise.  It certainly took a long time for the
Life Caulk to fully set up when we used it.  The countersink does seem like
a good idea and may be an approach that makes a good seal in one step.
This same post recommended the butyl tape as a bedding compound because it
does not dry out.  You can use as much or as little as you require and store
it to be used again.   I have no experience with it, so your milage may
vary.  Thank you all for posting your info and experience.
Pat, 801