Remove sliding hatch fiddles

[Alvorada]

I would like to remove the sliding hatch fiddles (wood trim on either side of the sliding hatch) to sand, re-finish, and then re-install. However, I can't seem to figure out how they are attached. Has anyone else removed theirs and, if so, how did you do it? On the picture from the Beneteau website they would be item 10

 

[DougM]

My guess would be that they are screwed in place with the screw heads covered with wood plugs. You would need to remove the plugs to get at the screws. As the plugs are more than likely glued in place, the easiest way to remove them would be with a plug cutting drill bit, or a hole saw about the same diameter as the plug.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

I refinished mine last spring, in place on the boat. Just put painters tape on the fiberglass on each side of the wood and be careful. No problem.

 

[Alvorada]

Thanks Paul and Doug. I was hoping it was an easy solution. I was about to tape them off and refinish while they were still installed but it would have been an easier job and probably better looking if I could have removed them. Thanks.