Need Help- Removal of CD 26 Companion Way Hatch Cover

[dgsail]

My CD 26 cabin developed 2 leaks inside the cabin at the corners of where the hatch cover slides underneath the cover. I thought I would try to remove the hatch cover and recaulk using butyl tape. I removed all the screws and was able to release one side of the companion hatch cover using a putty knife and paring knife with effort. The opposite side and front of the top deck hatch cover are not releasing. Has anyone successfully removed their hatch cover? Is there some type of glue underneath that requires special removal techniques?
Thanks for any insights.

DGSail

[Jim Walsh]

No telling what trap a previous owner may have laid . I've removed mine a couple times to recaulk. I just remove the screws and basically lift it off from the aft side. Don't be afraid to get physical.

[dgsail]

My Dad was the original owner, so it is whatever they put on when it was built.

[Steve Laume]

Try a good, sharp, flexible, putty knife and a small hammer. Work it under the edge and tap it along. Placing a small block under the the part that has already released will help to lift it as you go.

What you are actually working on is the sea hood. Be prepared to find 20 or 30 years worth of grime under there. This would be a good time to clean and paint the underside. When I put the sea hood back on Raven I added four small brass eyes for lashing things to the sea hood. This is a good place to keep a solar shower or small solar panel. I set the eyes, using the original screws locations and just needed to add another screw for the second leg of the eye.

I bedded it back in with Lifecaulk, Steve.

[dgsail]

Thanks, Steve. I'd been trying the putty knife and hammer. The putty knife handle broke off! Will try the block idea. Good idea with the hooks. What kind of paint did you use?

[tjr818]

I used a Fein multi tool with a smooth knifelike blade. The blade comes beveled like a chisel so it will not damage the fiberglass, but cuts right through the putty/adhesive.

[Jim Walsh]

What kind of paint did you use?

I used white Interlux Bilgekote. It's great stuff. Really brightens the interior and cockpit lockers. I've been completing my accessible areas piecemeal. Two coats gets a fabulous result.

[dgsail]

Success!
Thank you to everyone for your ideas.
The hatch was removed by using a putty knife with another putty knife handle underneath to raise up the section that was loosened and put pressure on the next section. I then used a hairdryer and wider putty knife to soften the glue. In the end, the hatch was secured with a thin layer of rubbery caulk around the outside edges and some kind of white rubbery glue between the hatch cover and the deck.

As warned, it had almost 30 years of dirt underneath. All is clean and the hatch has been replaced with butyl tape.
This summer we will see if it solves the two cabin drips. One theory is that it may have been a build up of gunk that blocked the water from flowing properly through the channels resulting in an overflow into the cabin.