Will try to put some more muscle into it. I am just being a little cautious on damaging the hull in the process.

If it continues to be difficult, take a dremmel and cut around the perimeter of the starboard side baitwell bottom, remove the rest of the baitwell so you can get closer to the putty. There always seems to be about an inch clearance between the bottom of the baitwell and the inside of the hull. Good luck.

Uncleboo,

Great idea! Glad I posted the question.

.

The coffin
 

Replacing my tank and aside from a mounting location, is the coffin needed? I know you need something for the tank to rest on, but the weight of that thing makes me wonder. I am replacing the deck with Nida Core, so adding a couple of extra bulkheads along with a platform to rest the tank on, seem a bit more practical weight wise.

Only thing I can think of is more moisture around the tank.

So Boo, you are saying the coffin just gives moisture the opportunity to linger around the tank?

Thinking if you mount the tank in the bilge, it will be exposed to more moisture. My coffin has a 1" drain hole in the rear and the hole where the rigging goes through allows it to have some airflow, not much, but, some. I installed inspection plates over the fill hose fitting, sending unit and pick up fittings so I can inspect or vent if it gets moist.