Bow pulpit stuck

[93Sailfish]

Hi - hoping someone has a convenient answer for this problem....

I wanted to take the bow pulpit off my '93 Sailfish to refurbish it over the winter. I was able to remove the front wall (back of the anchor locker) of the cabin to access and remove the mounting hardware (4 large bolts, 6 small bolts, and the central rod/anchor cleat) and the screws for the rail. However, I cannot get the pulpit off - pushed, pulled, jumped..... it won't budge. There appears to be some type of silicone bedding between the bow and pulpit, doesn't look like 5200.

Is there something I'm missing here? I was thinking about tapping in some wooden wedges or large putty knives between the boat and pulpit to try and pry it loose...any insight would be appreciated

 

[DennisG01]

Well, let's hope it's not 5200. That would definitely be the wrong application for 5200 (5200 is stronger than the bond between the gelcoat and fiberglass and if you pull too hard the gelcoat can delaminate).

If there are no screws from below or any screws from above (look for plugs in the pulpit if it's wooden)... then other than the sealant, that should be it. Try pulling fishing line through to cut the sealant. If not, carefully work your way around with the wedges - using multiple ones - to avoid putting too much stress in any one spot.

 

[Slacktime]

Try applying some heat. If it's 5200, the heat will soften it. -not too much or you'll start a fire!

 

[ROBERTH]

I didn't have any problem last winter when I removed mine to repair/refinish it.
I would first try to slide in some thin putty knife and see what you find/feel in that area. Keep trying all around and slight lift. If silicone, it should start to come free. Maybe apply some moderate upward pressure during this effort.

 

[bjflink]

I didn't have any problem last winter when I removed mine to repair/refinish it.
I would first try to slide in some thin putty knife and see what you find/feel in that area. Keep trying all around and slight lift. If silicone, it should start to come free. Maybe apply some moderate upward pressure during this effort.

Hi, how did you reach the two most forward bolts to remove the pulpit...access seems tight!