I've just started removing the hull fittings before a bit of sanding and varnishing (plus all the other little tasks!).
Most of the fittings are bedded in a white material, with the fixing screws also bedded in this.
Any suggestion as to ehat this is? I've a very vague recollection that there is a "deck sealer" used for GRP yachts (stops the water getting into the GRP) - but this is a wooden dinghy.

Your views/thoughts on the necessity (or otherwise) of this welcome.

Colin

It's sikkaflex hopefully. If it's not sikkaflex it's bathroom sealant and you'll have to remove every trace of it before you'll get varnish to stick to it.

Never use silicone based sealants of anything you expect to have to repaint while you own the boat!! With wooden boats dipping the screws in cheap single pack varnish is as good as sikkaflex and probably cheaper.

Thanks 
I don't think it's bathroom sealant ( I've removed lots of that at home & it doesn't feel like that!)

Cheers,

Colin