I bought a used poly Tempest 170 in January. I just water tested it yesterday by filling the 3 hatches. The skeg doesn't leak at all but the bulkheads do. I noticed that all the bulkhead have been sealed with clear silicon. The silicon has bubbles in various spots on all the bulkheads. As well, the silicon has become brittle and cracked in many spots. The silicon was applied very generously and is virtually impossible to remove. How am I to fix these leaks now?
Everything I have read about sealing bulkheads says that once silicon is used, no other sealant will seal. This leads me to believe that silicon is a poor choice for sealing a bulkhead. It is a cheap and temporary solution because it breaks down and cracks after a while.
Just as a side note, the hatch covers are very loose and flimsy. Like I said earlier, I bought the boat in January and the covers were frozen with ice inside the lip so I couldn't tell what condition they were in. I believe the boat is a 2008 or 2009 model. Probably 2008. I am not sure if the hatch covers are like this from UV exposure or if they were always like this. They have to be replaced because I would bet anything that they will not keep water out after a roll or even a few waves. I will try switching the covers with one of my Tsunami 140's. The dimensions are the same.
Anyway, I am looking for advice from anyone with expertise in fixing these issues. Your help is greatly appreciated.

I just ordered a beautiful, brand new Valley Nordkapp RM. And it doesn't have crappy foam bulkheads. How wonderful. I know I am just gonna love that boat.

Thanks,

Chad