control install

[thereheis]

i just installed the solo 5300 single lever controls today. after the install i was looking at the aluminum mounting plate where the control head mounts and the shaft goes through,should i put some type of sealant between the mounting plate and helm pod to keep any water form entering from the control shaft hole and seeping between the two ? ( plate & helm pod ) i did saturate the holes with thinned west to seal the new exposed wood . any help from faithfuls on this install ?
getting closer to paint time ......

phil