Sealing around the instrument panel

[pschauss]

As you all can see from my previous question about grounds on the flying bride, I have been working around the instrument panel. Among other things I have been trying to get the starter buttons up there to work and replacing my ammeters with volt meters (per Bob Lico's suggestion). As part of the process I pulled up the instrument panel. The joint between the panel and the fiberglass dashboard appears to have been sealed with something about the consistency of silly putty or modeling clay (non-hardening). What should I use when I put the panel back?

Thanks,

[pschauss]

I should have added that for most things like this, my product of choice is Boat-Life Life Caulk. Is that a good thing to use here?

thanks,

[Tony Meola]

Peter

Boat Life or any marine silicone should DoD ehsst you need it to do. Whatever you do DoD not use 5200 or anything similar.

[Tooeez]

I used Dap clear silicone from Home Depot--it lasted 20+ years before I had to redo it. You don't want anything too strong in case you want to remove the panel.

[kross1]

The product used originally was very similar to a product called Mortite Caulking Cord.

[Pete Fallon]

Pschauss,
You will be okay with any type of Silicone sealant or Life Caulk, just don't use 5200 By 3M, You will never get it off without wrecking the fiberglass under the panel. The original sealant was called Dolphinite, Bertram used it just about everywhere, under the windshield at deck joint, under the rub rail, cleats, bow chock you name it that's where they used it. It was easy to work with and stayed soft for many years, it had a Linseed base, almost like plumbers putty or window glazing.
Pete Fallon

[pschauss]

Pete,

That sounds like the stuff that was on there. It was still soft when I removed the dash board.

I used Boatlife when I reassembled it.

Thanks,