I also am a amateur so take whag I know as such.. but I think that area is too small.. others on here have far. more experience with hull repair than I do. I hope it works for you and you get back on the water.. but get it fixed properly. IMHO
I also hunt heavily and collect Marlin lever action rifles and used to hang out at a marlin owners site they “used” to have a asylum Section that used to be fun to hang out in.
To each there own.
there is a flapper inside that only goes in one direction. get a screw driver and gently push on the flapper. the side that moves up or "open" goes on top.