Prop Strut Removal Help - 21i

[lowesthertz]

Hello,
I am hoping someone might be able to provide some guidance on removing the strut from the hull. It is on a 2001 21i, which has a recess that the strut sits in. All 6 bolts have been removed and I have sprayed the edges with De-bond like crazy. I dont seem to be making any progress. I have read that I dont want to put too much pressure on the strut to not further damage the gel coat. I have tried pushing thin, sharp metal objects under the strut with little luck, the recess is not making things any easier. I have also tried pulling floss through with zero luck as well (didnt have fishing line). Any further ideas?
Thank you,
Chris

[freeheel4life]

Heat is your friend. I will also just insert the shaft back into the strut and use it as a pry bar. Depending on what it originally got mounted with you may have no choice but to peel off some gel coat with it.
A MAP/propane torch to the strut itself and let it heat soak then pry.

[lowesthertz]

Ok, I am gonna give it a try tomorrow. I first have to clean off all that flammable De-bond off thanks for the recommendation!

[lowesthertz]

Worked like a charm. Used a strap from the strut to the trailer and put some tension on it. Took maybe 5-8 minutes of heat from the heat gun. Then it peeled right off. Thank you for the help!

[lee]

Use 3M 4000 or 4200 on the new strut, not 5200.

[boatwakes]

Yeah, what Lee said. There is absolutely no need to use 5200 on ANYTHING related to these boats.