Polysulfides such as Lifecaulk are OK, but a pain to clean up. The two-stage
tightening described earlier is a good idea.
I prefer traditional bedding compound such as Dolphinite or Bedlast. They
stay pliable. Two-stage tightening is not needed.

IF YOU EVER MIGHT WANT TO REMOVE THE HARDWARE, DON'T USE 3M 5200.



Dan wrote:

And what is recommended to bed with for deck hardware, specifically
winches, cleats and genoa track?

Bed the deck
gear, smear bedding on the shaft of the bolts, and bed the backing
plate. Dog down everything "finger tight". Let the bedding "set up"
from a day to a week (covered if necessary due to weather) and then
dog down tight to complete the seal. Trim any excess with a razor
knife.