[Rhodes22-list] centerboard repair - cap sealant?

[Saroj Gilbert]

any chance I can ask a question about the Rhodes22? LOL... 

my centerboard would not raise or lower so friend and I took the cap apart; found that the blocks had broken off the CB; scraped, sanded, and painted the inside of the cap, the well and the CB (all encrusted with barnacles).  We have it put back together except for the cap which has the gasket which was already there... appears in pretty good shape.  We modified some blocks which was challenging since the attachment area is so small.  Also did some fiberglass repair on the CB and the keel.

Two questions:

- most of the holes had screws but some had bolts... I assume that an earlier owner had stripped out the screw holes.  Is it likely that reusing the screws will provide sufficient pressure to prevent leaks or should we go to the trouble of replacing all with bolts... I'd prefer not because there are so many, but I don't want leaks obviously.

- what sealant should we use? I took off the old sealant which was a blue colored rubbery substance that came off pretty easily from both sides.  Roger's instructions said to use silicone.  Is there a particular type or any old stuff from Lowes?  If we use silicon, do we need to let it cure a little before clamping down 100% to give it a chance to cure? (seems to me it requires air to start the curing process).  Has anyone used RTV... overkill for this application?

I have searched and searched for the tech info material that was created and organized years ago with no luck.  Can someone give me a URL for it or does it no longer exist?

Thanks, Saroj