Top Cap Removal
 

I have a 1977 master Angler that I have found some softness in the front anchor/lighting area from some rot underneath.

What would be the best way to fix this?

Remove the whole cap?

Or some other method?

I thought about cutting the cap just forward of the rear storage/bait well area turning it over remove rot and replace with new and reinstall cap,

I will be, at the same time, replacing the whole floor and having boat painted by a pro

Need some guidance on this

I would remove the cap and recore it. There is probably some more bad areas you'll find once you take it off. Since your doing the floor and having it painted you might as well make sure it all get done right now. Instead of having to do more work a couple years from one after it's already been painted.

Or you could cut the cap like you suggested if you don't want to remove the whole thing

The plan is to re-core it but the question which is the easiest/best way to remove the cap

I would guess you should re-read stricks original post at the top of this forum and make sure you don't let the hull spread.