Removing the cockpit floor

[captainmorrie]

I am attempting to change the fuel tank on my 1980 thirty foot Hunter sloop, but I am having a problem removing the cockpit floor, so I can get to the fuel tank. I have removed all of the screws holding the floor in place, but the floor will not budge. It is like it is being held in place by cement. Does anyone have any ideas about what I might be doing wrong? Thanks.

 

[Steve Dion]

Not all of the Hunter 30's had these "removable" cockpit sole. I would suggest that you try accessing your tank from the aft quarter berth. I believe that the panel can be removed to access the area below your cockpit.

 

[captainmorrie]

I am attempting to change the fuel tank on my 1980 thirty foot Hunter sloop, but I am having a problem removing the cockpit floor, so I can get to the fuel tank. I have removed all of the screws holding the floor in place, but the floor will not budge. It is like it is being held in place by cement. Does anyone have any ideas about what I might be doing wrong? Thanks.

I have managed to get the cockpit floor off. It was apparently held in place with some old caulking from a previous owner. With the use of the opposite end of my hammer and a little elbow grease I was able to pry it loose.

 

[captainmorrie]

Thanks Steve Dion for your suggestion about using the aft quarter birth for access, but the height of that access area is not big enough to get the fuel tank out there. However, your suggestion will be very useful in giving me another access to the tank area while I am removing the old tank and installing the new one. I hadn't thought of using that area before.