Thanks, Giles. You're in good company. Today, I looked up the Beckson port in West Marine's online catalog and the description instructs the buyer to use silicon. I'm interested in the strip-caulk idea for orts. --Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: "Morris, Giles" <giles.morris@unisys.com> To: "'For and about Montgomery Sailboats'" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 9:35 AM Subject: Inspection Port, Oven Cleaner I've used silicon for caulking various ports and hatches. I've never used it, but isn't there a 3M 5xxx goop that is removable (as opposed to 5200, which isn't, very)? The manufacturer of the bronze ports that I fitted to Dolphin (New Found Metals) recommended 3M strip caulk, which is (surprise!) strips of caulking intended for fitting auto windshields -- it seemed to work. For that port, though, I think I'd use silicon. Giles Morris -----Original Message----- From: Honshells [mailto:chonshell@ia4u.net] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2003 11:03 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: Inspection Port, Oven Cleaner I just made the cut. I now have a hole in the cockpit face of my transom, awaiting a new 8" Beckson inspection port. Should I use silicon or caulk to mount this type of access opening? Early posts regarding how to deal with deck stains mentioned oven-cleaner: How long should one wait after applying the oven-cleaner before removing it? If left too long, will it harm the gel-coat?