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OK, here's the deal. I have a 1999 17' Whaler Outrage II with a major hatch in the deck, covering the large center gas tank. This hatch was sealed (Factory? They couldn't tell me what they used then.) with what appears to be a silicone-based sealant from what I can determine by its characteristics upon removal. It's being replaced because after many years it has become detached from the sides of the joint, through shrinkage or stress it appears.

Now, I have heard all the horror stories about the problems silicone sealants cause regarding preventing any other sealants from adhering properly. At the same time 3M tells me 4000UV is a superior product to their marine silicone caulk, so it's the preferable choice, if I can make it work. I have razored out the caulk, done an acetone scrub down, sanded the entire joint and rewashed with acetone. I am at a loss about any additional prep to do to maximize the chance that the 4000UV will work out ok.

Does anyone have any other suggestions regarding this repair or any comments about using the 4000UV instead of going again with silicone, since that was already in the joint originally?

Thanks.

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Just use Boat Life's Life Caulk. It is a polysulfide based marine sealant.

Tape off both sides of the seam, lay in a bead, wipe with your finger. Let it skin over (~3 hrs), then pull the tape.

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Use neither use Boat life Life caulk like Phil said. Not silicone and not 4000 or 4200 or 5200. Trust me! Been there done that. Boat Life all the way now. Used 4200 to install the deck on my 1995 24 foot Outrage and I just about destroyed the deck trying to remove. I had to use 3m adhesive remover and pressure and time to get it up. it it is adhesive that is very strong and designed to never be removed again bad stuff for Fuel tank hatch. It is stronger than the gelcoat. And pulled up gelcoat. Had to actually do fiberglass repair before putting the deck back down
Archie

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I think Archie meant to say "either" rather than neither.