Caulking question

[UNIQUE_NAME]

I have a stainless plate with mounting brackets welded on. It will be what the marquipt stairs attach to.
The stainless plate will be thru bolted on the transom. It’s about 22” wide and 6” tall. My question is: should I caulk around all 4 edges and the bolt holes OR just the bolt holes?

Thanks

 

[SEVEN]

Bolt holes only. If you must do the whole thing put a thin circle of caulking in the center. Once compressed clean off the excess. You don’t want it turning dark around the edges when the caulking cures and ages.

 

[krush]

I prefer polysulfid (lifecaulk) or butyl tape.

 

[Captain Ralph]

IMO; seal the whole plate. You don't want water pressing against the gel-coat or around the plate and bolts causing black Crevice corrosion issues.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Caulk the whole plate. If you want a nice finished look, tape the hull and the plate and wipe excess, then pull the tape for a clean line.