[abl1111]

Might have to try it this Spring. One area that concerns me w/ this application is the hinged side; that edge will not 'come down' onto the dried silicone seal so much as it will 'sweep' into the silicone to close.

As for using a pc of wood as a 'flattener' vs using the hatch itself - there seeme to be pros and cons to each.
- Using the hatch itself, I think there'd be a lot of extra ooze of silicone around the seal ( I can't make out if this would give either a better seal, or be a dirt collector )

I don't think any of the gasket/silicone fixes are perfect because a lot of crud and especially sand would get into the space between the hatch and the deck ( as it does now )and eventually the silicone seal area and over time, as you walk on the hatch, it will slowly but surely dig through the silicone seal...