Removing ports...
NEVER USE A RAZOR KNIFE OR TRY TO PRY IT OFF! O'Days have pvc type port and Catalina has Aluminum frames. Trying to cut or pry will bend or break the port frame. You have to do it slow and siliently... With and good braided fishing line or high "E" string from a piano, or a guitar. Take a good braided fishing line or a small diameter wire and carefully work it into the joint between the boat and the port flange( after removing the interior retainer). The idea is to cut through the sealant, what ever was used, so that no prying pressure is put upon the port flange. Work the line/wire, like a crosscut saw, around the port until the sealant has been sliced through. Now the fragile flange no longer plays into acount, unless you did not get it all. Now from the inside, you can persuade it to the exterior. Remember that if too much sealant was applied, that the collar of the port may be attached internally of the exterior face on the cabin. Once the interior frame is off, you should be able to carefully look from the inside into the gap between the window flange and the cabin liner. If you see a build up of caulking, you may have to do what you think will cut it. The plus is that the frame is less fragile than the outer flange. Put pressure on the frame while doling what it takes to move the frame outward. Hopefully you will end up with a whole frame with out damage that you can then clean up and reseal. good luck. It took me three boats to learn this. r.w.landau
